Bishop Bonnar reminds us that evangelization continues to be an urgent priority for each and everyone of us personally.
"Evangelizing means bringing the Good News of Jesus into every human situation
and seeking to convert individuals and society by the divine power of the Gospel itself."
- Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States
and seeking to convert individuals and society by the divine power of the Gospel itself."
- Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States
Live the Joy of the Gospel
in the call of the Church
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"A Joy Ever New, a Joy Which Is Shared"
In his apostolic exhortation, "The Joy of the Gospel," Pope Francis calls us to recognize, live, and share the Joy of the Gospel as a "Church which goes forth." If you would like to buy a printed copy of "The Joy of the Gospel" (152 pages), please contact the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry. We have them in stock. Call 330-744-8451 x297.
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Online resources to help with
parish evangelization efforts
Make all people feel welcome.
"Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality." (Romans 12:13)
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"Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality." (Romans 12:13)
How to Invite & Welcome in God's Name: Parish Leader Kit FREE downloadable e-resource from The Pastoral Center |
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"It's time to make parishes accessible to people of all abilities"
from US Catholic, July 24, 2020 MINISTERING FOR & WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (A page on this website with plenty of resources for helping the parish be a welcoming place for people of all abilities.) |
Comfort the sorrowing.
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"Turning to God in Times of Tragedy"
from Loyola Press "How parishes can comfort the sorrowful and care for the grieving" from US Catholic, July 22, 2020. MINISTERING AMIDST CRISIS (A page on this website with plenty of resources for helping people in times of grief, crisis, or tragedy.) |
Get ideas for sharing the Good News.
Everyday Evangelization: E-Mail Series
Consider simple “Everyday Evangelization” ideas from Julianne Stanz. This series is for anyone who’s wondered, Where do I start with evangelization? From Loyola Press
Empower Disciples to Evangelize
Read Joe Paprocki’s encouragement for empowering disciples in this post drawing from his book, Preparing Hearts and Minds (now available in Spanish). From Loyola Press
The Process of Evangelization in the Pontifical Directory for Catechesis
From Julianne Stanz at Loyola Press: Key takeaways about our role in evangelization as outlined in the Directory for Catechesis.
Three Keys of Discipleship as We Start with Jesus
Julianne Stanz outlines the role of denial, deliberation, and dedication in discipleship.
How Can I Be Kerygmatic?
Joe Paprocki shares several ideas for effectively proclaiming the Gospel in a way that consistently highlights and reinforces the core message of the Gospel.
Prayer of an Aging Disciple
Barbara Lee invites us to consider our continuing call to discipleship. We provide her "Prayer of an Aging Disciple" in three formats: printable mini-poster, coloring page, and group prayer version.
What Does Discipleship Look Like for Children?
Joe Paprocki considers the implications for children of seven keys of discipleship outlined by Julianne Stanz.
Sent to Evangelize Prayer Celebration
Schedule a prayer celebration to help young people reflect on their role in evangelization and accept their mission to evangelize.
Everyday Evangelization for the Easter Season
Julianne Stanz suggests simple ways Catholics can evangelize during the Easter season.
Each of Us Has a Story
Joe Paprocki encourages those who may feel unqualified to evangelize by reminding us that we all have a story to tell.
Consider simple “Everyday Evangelization” ideas from Julianne Stanz. This series is for anyone who’s wondered, Where do I start with evangelization? From Loyola Press
Empower Disciples to Evangelize
Read Joe Paprocki’s encouragement for empowering disciples in this post drawing from his book, Preparing Hearts and Minds (now available in Spanish). From Loyola Press
The Process of Evangelization in the Pontifical Directory for Catechesis
From Julianne Stanz at Loyola Press: Key takeaways about our role in evangelization as outlined in the Directory for Catechesis.
Three Keys of Discipleship as We Start with Jesus
Julianne Stanz outlines the role of denial, deliberation, and dedication in discipleship.
How Can I Be Kerygmatic?
Joe Paprocki shares several ideas for effectively proclaiming the Gospel in a way that consistently highlights and reinforces the core message of the Gospel.
Prayer of an Aging Disciple
Barbara Lee invites us to consider our continuing call to discipleship. We provide her "Prayer of an Aging Disciple" in three formats: printable mini-poster, coloring page, and group prayer version.
What Does Discipleship Look Like for Children?
Joe Paprocki considers the implications for children of seven keys of discipleship outlined by Julianne Stanz.
Sent to Evangelize Prayer Celebration
Schedule a prayer celebration to help young people reflect on their role in evangelization and accept their mission to evangelize.
Everyday Evangelization for the Easter Season
Julianne Stanz suggests simple ways Catholics can evangelize during the Easter season.
Each of Us Has a Story
Joe Paprocki encourages those who may feel unqualified to evangelize by reminding us that we all have a story to tell.
Reach out, re-engage, renew.
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Visit "Evangelization Exchange" articles from Paulist Evangelization Ministries website HERE
"The mission of Paulist Evangelization Ministries is to develop effective methods for inviting people to believe in Jesus Christ as Catholics or to become active again in the Catholic faith, and to equip Catholics with the tools to further this invitation." Visit "Awaking Faith: Reconnecting with Your Catholic Faith" from Paulist Evangelization Ministries website HERE.
"You can reach people who are not active in their faith through conversation and sharing." |
Share faith in small groups.
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Visit the North American Forum for Small Christian Communities to learn how small communities can renew and strengthen discipleship HERE.
"The most important reason for gathering in small groups is to place God in a primary spot in their lives, make faith essential to their lives, hear the invitation of Jesus to change themselves, and transform the society around them. In other words to make disciples." |
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Find resources for why and how to recruit and facilitate small groups in the parish HERE.
"As communities of faith, Small Groups create a deeper sense of community within a parish and can expand the activity of faith beyond parish walls and into people’s homes. Families who participate will also find renewed connection with one another. Often, in the process of putting on a Small Group program, parishes will find new ministers and leaders." - Paulist Evangelization Ministries |
Communicate with people in many ways.
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Find Social Media Guidelines from the USCCB HERE.
"Communication is a means of expressing the missionary vocation of the entire Church; today the social networks are one way to experience this call to discover the beauty of faith, the beauty of encountering Christ. In the area of communications too, we need a Church capable of bringing warmth and of stirring hearts" (Pope Francis' Message for the 48th World Communications Day, 2014). Find more ideas for Communications HERE. |
Call on the Blessed Virgin Mary
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"As we embark upon this exciting journey together, we entrust ourselves not only to Saint Joseph but also to the handmaid of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Evangelization. She is always there to intercede on our behald. At that first miracle at Cana she said, 'Do whatever he tells you"' (John 2:5). May God give us the grace through her intercession to embrace our particular role and do whatever Jesus tells us."
- Bishop Bonnar, Pastoral Letter, February 19, 2021 |
Watch these online workshops and videos
Find the link to Loyola Press' Reclaiming the Fire presentation here: HERE
Explore ideas for evangelization with these selected resources
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Living and Learning with Jesus: Reflections, Activities, and Prayers for Forming Joyful Disciples
by Patricia Mathson Twenty-third Publications, 2020 Help children explore Jesus' presence in their lives and his call to love as he loves. Each chapter begins with a gospel reflection, followed by an engaging activity suggestion -- perfect for ages 5-8 and for adapting to many other age levels and backgrounds. |
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Called by Name, Sent in His Name: Reflections on an Outward-Bound Church,
by Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher. Novalis, 2020 Inspired by the writings of Pope Francis, Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher offers a new vision of an outward-bound Church whose goal is to bring God’s peace to the world in solidarity with the poor. This is an invaluable resource for building a fraternal community that welcomes, cares, and accompanies others. |
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Beyond the Sanctuary: Essays on Liturgy, Life, and Discipleship,
edited by Timothy Johnson Liturgy Training Publications, 2020 A collection of essays that invites the reader to discover how the liturgy transforms the worshipping assembly and sends it on mission. Explore the relationship of liturgy to evangelization, spirituality, social justice, and other elements of discipleship. |
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Promise and Hope: Discerning and Becoming a Parish of Accompaniment,
by Bill Huebsch. Twenty Third Publications, 2020 Presents a pastoral theology of accompaniment that responds to Pope Francis’ urgent call to put Jesus—who reverenced the poor, the needy, the invisible, the “other”—at the center of the church’s ministry. It provides a framework for creating parishes of accompaniment that are open, welcoming, healing and discerning. |
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Start with Jesus: How Everyday Disciples Will Renew the Church,
by Julianne Stanz. Loyola Press, 2019 A practical and motivational way to restructure a parish's mission – start with Jesus. Start with Jesus is a book about people, process, and culture, rather than an emphasis on quick fixes or unsustainable efforts. It focuses on growing in relationship with Jesus Christ through individual and group experiences, thus transforming our parish communities. |
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Beyond the Pews: From Parishioners to Disciples
by Frank P. DeSiano, CSP Paulist Evangelization Ministries, 2019 Ten short units bring parishioners through friendly exercises to build up their sense of faith, sharing, and situations in which to engage others. Parishioners can begin to see the ways in which our typical experiences of parish life and worship call us to invte others to a deeper relationship with God and the Church. |
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Más allá de las bancas: de feligreses a discípulos
Frank P. DeSiano, CSP Paulist Evangelization Ministries, 2019 Diez unidades cortas llevan a los feligreses a través de ejercicios fáciles para desarrrollar su sentido de fe, de compartir y situaciones en las que pueden captar a otros. Paso a paso, al presenter varias situaciones pastorals y lecturas escriturales cuidadosamente seleccionadas, los feligres adquieren confianza en si mismos como discípulos y agentes de evangelizacion. |
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Who Me, Evangelize? A Simple Guide to Living and Sharing your Faith,
by Carole Eipers. Twenty-Third Publications, 2018 We are all called by our baptism to evangelize—to share the faith with others. Our lives witness our faith—so we are already evangelizing. This guide explains and shows us how. This is a great resource for discussion and affirmation, for catechists, small groups, and families. |
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Disciples Making Disciples: Print and Digital Resources for Forming the Assembly
Gael Gensler, OSF, et al Liturgy Training Publications, 2017 Comprehensive resource that explains Christian initiation to the assembly and generates enthusiasm for the initiation process. Includes Q&As for bulletins and social media, short videos, and suggestions on planning through the liturgical year. |
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Discípulos hacienda discípulos: Recursos impresos y digitales para formar la asamblea
Gael Gensler, et al Liturgy Training Publications, 2017 ¿Cómo educar a la comunidad aprroquial en sus funciones? ¿Cómo dar a conocer las ideas básicas sobre la iniciación Cristiana de forma atractiva y digerible a gente tan atareada? Ayúdese con este CD-ROM y cuaderno. |
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Hospitality: Welcoming the Stranger
by Catherine Upchurch Little Rock Scripture Study, 2017 This 3-session bible study for adults includes questions for group discussion. Hospitality was a hallmark of the ancient Mediterranean world and, according to St. Paul, is among the characteristics to be found in the Body of Christ, the church. True hospitality begins with the recognition of human dignity and the desire to respond effectively to human need. Here Catherine Upchurch, recognized nationally for her keen ability to make the Scriptures come alive for Catholics, explores how three biblical settings encourage us to be people of welcome. |
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Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Community and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity,
by Fr. James Martin, SJ. HarperOne, 2017 Provides a roadmap for repairing and strengthening the bonds that unite ... [people] as God's children. Martin uses the image of a two-way bridge to enable LGBT Catholics and the Church to come together in a call to end the 'us' versus 'them' mentality. Turning to the Catechism, he draws on the three criteria at the heart of the Christian ministry--'respect, compassion, and sensitivity'--as a model for how the Catholic Church should relate to the LGBT community. |
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VIDEO
Pope Francis: Witness to Joy Pauline Books & Media, 2014 This documentary of the first year of Francis's pontificate takes us behind the scenes and deep into the heart of witness to the Gospel of mercy. Vital themes emerge as he captures the world's attention with touching, unexpected gestures and open concern for those at the periphery of human existence. 39 minutes. English, Spanish |
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The Parish Guide to the New Evangelization,
by Father Robert J. Hater. Our Sunday Visitor, 2013 Takes the New Evangelization from concept and theory to practical application, and shows pastoral leaders and ministers exactly how to implement it parish-wide. Includes: *How to overcome challenges to the new evangelization, *How to motivate parishioners to evangelize, *How to coordinate efforts at the parish level, *How to effectively reach inactive Catholics, *What sets Catholic evangelization apart from Protestant evangelization, *How to jump start parish evangelization. |
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Neighbors Reaching Neighbors: A Parish Toolkit for Invitation
Paulist Evangelization Ministries, 2013 Provides a set of resources to equip a parish to be proactive -and evangelizing - in its invitation to others. The kit provides a variety of effective tools. Each parish decides the best methods and customizes the tools to reach its neighbors. |
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Catholic and Confident: Simple Steps to Share Your Faith
by Henry Liberstat Servant Books, 2012 Evangelization is sometimes viewed as a scary word by Catholics. This book will help you to embrace to call to spread the message of salvation. Real life examples show how it can be done. |
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Welcome the People!: Ways to Gather and Nourish Adult Catholics,
by Jim Smith. Twenty-third Publications, 2008 What parishes need to breathe new life into parish faith formation gatherings for adults. Far more than a dry manual, this book is a passionate guide for passionate parish leaders. It offers an uncomplicated process for action and renewed faith, and provides retreat like exercises at the end of each chapter to keep parish leaders, ministers, volunteers, and staff fired up about faith formation. |
Quote from "The Joy of the Gospel" meme created by Dr. Linda Miller
for an adult faith formation course:
