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| What is Evangelization? |
Evangelization constitutes the essential mission of the church. It is proclaiming the person and
message of Jesus Christ to all the world. In essence, it means bring the Good News to every
human situation and transforming individuals and society through gospel values.
Evangelization is not a program but is an integral part of all we do as church. It touches every
aspect of parish life. It is the energizing core of all ministry. By baptism, we enter into a life of
discipleship, continuing the Incarnation of Jesus by word and deed (proclamation and witness).
Evangelization is the responsibility of every baptized Catholic.
Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly." It is this fullness
of life to which we invite each active member and to which we invite the inactive, alienated and
unchurched to join us at the Lord's table. It is about inviting persons into a relationship in Jesus
Christ, not about proselytizing.
The word comes to us from ancient history when a slave was chosen to bring back to the ruler
the good news of victory in battle. The bearer of this good news was always granted his freedom
and so he would come running, nearly dancing for joy, as he bore the good news of victory that
would gain freedom for him. So, too, we Christians should proclaim the Good News of Jesus
Christ and his victory over sin and death, the victory that frees us to become joyful children of
God. This is what evangelization is all about.
Why are we concerned about evangelization in the Catholic Church today? Forty percent, over
80 million people, in the United States have no church affiliation. Included in this number are 17
million inactive or alienated Catholics. In fact, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops
survey found that one third to one half of registered parishioners are inactive, that is, persons
who were baptized Catholic but are not presently active participants in the Catholic Church.
In a national survey, fifty-two percent of the inactives questioned said they would welcome an
invitation to join the church. Thus, Christ’s command, "go into all the world and proclaim the
gospel to all creation," is more important today than ever.
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| Mission Statement |
| To proclaim the person and gospel message of Jesus Christ to all new, active and inactive
parishioners, welcoming them into a fuller relationship with the St. Barnabas Parish Family
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| Commission Description |
In our endeavor to fulfill our mission statement, we have planned the following projects for 2007-2008:
Welcome Cards - To send hand-made cards to all newly registered parishioners each monthParish Tour - To host a tour of the parish grounds for all interestedEducation - To educate the parish community on the
meaning of Evangelization and suggest action steps for all to take through
the use of the bulletin and websiteCatholics Returning Home Program - To invite non-practicing Catholics to a six-week series of informal listening sessions and an update of the Catholic faith |
| Volunteer Opportunity |
The time commitment for the Commission is very flexible. We meet the first Tuesday of the
month from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in Rectory Room 2. Other time spent is based upon your availability and
interest in the upcoming projects. You are welcome to attend one of our meetings or contact the
commission director for more information.
Click here to view the latest meeting minutes.
All are welcome to join us!
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| Prayer for Evangelization |
God of Word and Spirit, speak your life-giving truth, deepen our faith and quicken our
enthusiasm for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Free us to communicate the faith we profess.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, strengthen us to be people of hospitality. May we invite others to the
Good News of salvation by the witness of our lives. May we extend welcome to those who
journeyed from our midst. May we heal the hurts of alienation and offer a place of belonging to
those in search of community.
Renewed by conversion to gospel values, may we cast the fire of your Word and Spirit into our
homes, our neighborhoods, our places of work and our world.
May our nation and culture be transformed by the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ, the Good
News of Truth and Life now, always and forever. Amen.
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