Deepening Our Faith Through Evangelization

As Catholics we each enter a deep relationship with Christ daily. Whether it is in silent prayer in the middle of a task, attending Mass, exploring our faith formation by attending studies to just simply one on one with each other, we are given the opportunity to deepen our relationship with Christ. 

We as the laity have an inherent responsibility in not just deepening our faith, but also articulating our faith to others. As noted through studies we become more informed of the beauty of the Catholic Church.  

Let us go a bit further in this relationship. Let us consider this relationship as one that involves others.

No, you do not have to be a theologian or in sacred vows to share with others or to evangelize the Catholic faith. 

Think of the moment you enter a new chapel setting. There were the familiar sights, from the altar, cross and perhaps the statues of Joseph and Mary. Those are the non-moving parts of our faith upon which we can meditate. 

So then, what is the movable part of our faith?

All of us! 

Each of us come at various levels in our relationship with Christ. 

As learners we can share from where we are and be open to the experiences of others. Humans are very visual people and love the many sacramentals, from rosaries to statues, medals and books. 

How would you feel if someone welcomed you in the chapel with bulletin or a personal invite to the next CWOC meeting or event? I am sure inside you would be doing flips like the time in grade school someone invited you to sit at their table. 

All of this is the process of evangelization. 

There have been moments when being asked to be a part of evangelizing, I found it frightening and overwhelming.

First, I found courage in the Word itself! What was it? Then, slowly, I noticed evangelization in the normal conversations. It is in those moments where I have found the opportunities to speak about Christ.  

For me. I always say the Holy Spirit has such a great sense of humor. In 2 Thessalonians, we are reminded if we are going to reach unbelievers, we need to get to know them. We should know where they live, shop, eat and gather.  

Evangelization for people that are visual are the many incredible masterpieces of the Catholic Church.

Taking a group of youths to a local civilian parish during Mass, one young man was just looking up, to the left, to the right and just in general looking distracted.  Getting his attention, I asked why he was not paying attention to Mass. He informed me that looking at the stained glass windows to the massive cross behind the altar he was confused. He asked as many of us in a military chapel with denominations, how in the world were they going to cover all the stain glass windows but mostly turn the cross around? In response, I pointed at several of the stained glasses and encouraged these young people to see in the beauty of their faith in the art that surrounded us. One stained glass that young man noted  was depicting the baptism to saints.  

Together, let us build on evangelizing our Catholic faith, especially as we serve God’s people with the most precious gift of God’s love. 

The building blocks of evangelization can be summarized in the tips below.

Evangelization Tip #1

Share your own faith experiences in the simple, unexpected conversations of the day. It could even be standing in line on a Saturday doing grocery shopping. Or sharing a hot drink or just resting on a bench. Young moms with babes in strollers – start your own Stroller Brigade. Pick any topic of the Church or your latest find from books to medals. Saints are always a great ice breaker.

Evangelization Tip #2

Next time you want to post something to social media, google the Vatican. Post the many art works in the chapels there. Or how about your own chapel? Share a picture of the place you pray, whether the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, or the main sanctuary where you pray the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Evangelization Tip #3

Let someone know if you may keep their family in prayer with a Rosary or special intentions. Send a special prayer to someone. Even ask others to keep you and your intentions in their own prayers.

Evangelization Tip #4

Trust always in Christ. Trust and faith are not measured in numbers but in faithfulness.

My sisters in Christ, together we serve on bended knee to the faithful. 

Blessings and Graces.

In Christ,

Bernadette 

Director-at-Large