Evangelization for (Extra-)Ordinary Catholics







    This site is designed for Catholics who want to live their faith more fully and share
    it with others, purposefully, intentionally, and joyfully.  It is a simple site for the
    everyday Catholic who wants to learn about the New Evangelization- what it is,
    how to do it, and why you should want to do it!  It is not hard or scary. Trust me.  
    It is soooo easy and soooo necessary. This is about "practical evangelization."

    Do you need a lot of training to be an evangelizer?  Well, training would be good.  
    But what if training isn't available in your area?  Don't let that stop you!  Learn
    what you can about the New Evangelization from the resources on this site and
    the sites referenced here so you have an understanding of what we are trying to
    accomplish.  Then, work on your heart.  Work on loving as you have never loved
    before- with His love- unconditionally and sacrificially.   If you don't do that,
    "skills" will be fairly meaningless.   1 Corinthians 13:1-13

    I had a lot of materials just sitting on my computer that I thought might be helpful
    to someone, so I have posted articles I have written over the last 4 years on
    practical evangelization for "The Catholic New World" (the newspaper for the
    Archdiocese of Chicago), materials I presented at the Evangelization Institute of
    Chicago, workshops prepared for Rosary Pilgrimages in Alaska, as well as other
    things you may find useful in your evangelization efforts.  I've also posted some of
    my best recipes that I use when evangelizing.  If nothing else, you can get a good
    recipe from the Sweets for the Spirit Page.  Even if you don't become a better
    evangelizer, you should become a better baker! (and much more popular with
    your friends and family....)  

    This is about The New Evangelization: It can change the world!
    (but not by itself... YOU are needed!  Really.)    

    Spread the Word...
    Faithfully yours,
    Linda Weaver
    Member, Stewardship Committee for the Archdiocese of Chicago
    Member, Evangelization Committee for the Archdiocese of Chicago
    Parishioner, Holy Name Cathedral



    You ask:  
    What is The New Evangelization?  
    Just so we are all clear on this, here are the thoughts of some real
    authorities on this question:




From the FAQ section of the evangelization web site for the
Archdiocese of Chicago (www.goingforth.org):

    "Francis Cardinal George, the Catholic Archbishop of Chicago, has helped
    to clarify these issues as he presents his own definitions.

    Primary Evangelization:  The goal of primary evangelization is the
    transplanting of Catholicism through missionary activity. Proclaiming the
    Kerygma that Jesus Christ is Lord to those who have never heard it was
    the particular task of the mission ad gentes and took place outside of
    Christian lands which were marked by catechesis within already
    established parochial and pastoral structures.

    Secondary Evangelization or Re-Evangelization:   through this effort,
    lapsed or inactive Catholics are called to a renewed faith and a conversion
    that brings them new strength in their relationship to Christ and His
    Church. Parish missions were often the preferred means for the
    conversion of the baptized. Occasionally, missiologists also spoke of “auto-
    evangelization.” This was a reminder that evangelizers must themselves
    be evangelized before they proclaim the Gospel.

    New Evangelization:  Inspired by Pope John Paul II’s beliefs and writings,
    this fresh effort encompasses a post-Vatican II renewal of Church identity
    and mission. This new vision of evangelization integrates the person and
    his/her culture, moving out from the heart of Christian proclamation to
    area of life seldom recognized as terrain ripe for evangelization.

    Cardinal George suggests that the New Evangelization has a specific
    meaning beyond the outreach to inactive Catholics. The Holy Father has
    spoken of those persons, groups, and societies that were once Christian
    but are no longer. The new ecclesial response must enfold Catholics who
    have joined other Christian groups and non-Christian movements. The
    New Evangelization must address inadequate catechetical and liturgical
    formation within the Catholic Church itself; it must confront the growing
    secularization of professions and contemporary culture as a whole."



    From a December 2000 address to Catechists and Religion Teachers by
    Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger called The New Evangelization: Building the
    Civilization of Love:

    Now Pope Benedict XVI, began as follows:

    Human life cannot be realized by itself. Our life is an open question,
    an incomplete project, still to be brought to fruition and realized.
    Each man's fundamental question is: How will this be realized—
    becoming man? How does one learn the art of living? Which is the
    path toward happiness?

    To evangelize means: to show this path—to teach the art of living.

    Now what could be more beautiful?  Why wouldn't we all want to be evangelizers
    and help those we love find the path to happiness?
    To read the full address, go to the EWTN website:


    See also, Pope Benedict XVI's Encyclical Letter:  God is Love

    Here's the "Cliff Notes" version of that document..... from
    Wikipedia...   God is Love
Welcome
Spirit Networking

Dedication:

This site is dedicated to the
belief and appreciation that
the Spirit gives each of us
gifts to be used to build up
the Kingdom of God, and
that it is in using these gifts
together as part of the Body
of Christ that we accomplish
more good than any one of
us could individually.

It is dedicated to supporting
and assisting our fellow/a
evangelizers.

Finally, it is dedicated to
doing the work of the Father,
spreading the message of the
Son, and allowing ourselves
to be guided by the Spirit
wherever that may lead.


This site is also
devoted to love and
humility:

Love,
because without it
we are nothing;

Humility-
because pride is one
of the biggest
obstacles to
evangelization.























Something
to ponder
for experienced
evangelizers:


If you believe you were
called to do God's
work and that you
have a great plan for
some project, consider
that God may have
also sent someone else
to improve upon your
plan.

The question is:
Are you executing
YOUR plan or HIS?

Ponder your answer
with humility.





We are meant to work
together.
That was and is  part
of The Plan.
1 Corinthians 12:4-31



All things work
together for good, to
those who are called
according to His
purpose.
Romans 8:28


For the answers to many
questions about
Catholic Evangelization
and the Catholic Faith,
click HERE.
and check out
www.goingforth.org
for resources and
information on
evangelization.  
Pope Benedict XVI:  
Francis Cardinal George,
the Catholic Archbishop of Chicago

9/7/08:  Update to News

    Like any good attorney, I must add my caveats and disclaimer...in really fine print....

    WARNING: Please be advised that this web site could have serious side affects on your health, spiritual
    and otherwise.  
    After reading some of the reflection questions, you may experience discomfort or feelings of distress.
    Some memories may be accompanied by pain.  Thoughts of what Christ may be asking of you may elicit
    feelings of fear, accompanied by anxiety.  Proceed at your own risk (and benefit).   In addition, if you
    persist in your efforts to move closer to God, you may experience mild to severe changes of heart,
    accompanied by increased production of happy endorphins.... (that's the only way I explain all this
    cheerfulness and enthusiasm....) Despite the initial discomfort, the pain and suffering should subside and
    eventually be replaced with love and peace.


    The author/designer of the web site disavows any responsibility for any such transformations.
    Transformations are under the authority and power of the Holy Spirit. If you have problems, please
    contact Him....   Good luck and God bless you!
Links to one of my other Web Sites:
The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels:
www.missionOLA.com