The New Evangelization, Part IV: Culture of Witness

This part of the USCCB's document, "Disciples Called to be Witness, the new Evangelization, covers how and when we can evangelize without too much effort.    Through conversion and the methodologies of:  discipleship, a commitment to the Christian life, parish life, the liturgical life of the Church: popular devotions and piety, the Christian family, catechist and teachers of the faith, and religious experience we bring the Church to the world by our examples in these areas.  Last time I discussed conversion and promised a discussion on methologies of evangelization which will make it clearer how we all can be new evangelizers.

Through discipleship we serve as witnesses for Christ and His teachings.  Witnessing is a farther reaching act of teaching that traditional teaching.  When someone shares their own personal experiences about life it drives home to those how it looks and feels in real time not just from a book.  This makes total sense, too, as a new mother-to-be some years ago, I had symptoms that weren't in my pregnancy books or from the doctor office, but hearing from other mothers who experienced same or similar symptoms, I was relieved and confident that all was well with my pregnancy.  When we share our understandings and experiences with Christ's teachings and the teachings of the Church in positive light, we are planting seeds in those around us for future witnesses.

In order to do this we must first grasp these teachings personally through a firm commitment to the Christian life and active participation in parish life.   Without being committed to our Christian faith we cannot be active learner and teachers, but we cannot do this alone, "the Holy Spirit within the Christian community forms the person as a disciple of Christ."  The parish must provide formed disciples, catechists and teachers to formally pass down the faith to it's members, especially those who want to return to the Church.  "It is the responsibility of the parish community and it's leadership to ensure that the faith it teaches, preaches, and celebrates is alive and that it is a true sign, for all who come in contact with it, that this truly is the living Body of Christ."

Speaking of the Body of Christ, attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist as often as possible it crucial to a healthy spiritual life.  Praying the rosary, attending adoration, confession, and observing other holy practical acts of piety like meatless Fridays year round all provide a powerful witness to the faith.  They "form the basis of "Catholic Culture."  The coming together in the Liturgical life of the Church as one gives strength and continued faith development for the Church family and those who seek to return.

In the Christian family or the "domestic Church" the sacrament of matrimony models the Trinitarian love of God for His children as parents nurture and care for their children. It is here in the home that faith develops deeper within the children.  Many children that I see today are not taught their faith at home much less experiencing it there.  Parents are so busy with their own jobs and responsibilities that they do not take the time to practice their faith at home.  This is a major problem because children are being basically taught to compartmentalize God at school or at Church only, so during the majority of their lives they are not witnessing God's touch in all that they see and do.

Catechists and teachers of the faith must be teachers and witnesses of the faith!  They must believe and live what they teach or else they are scandalous.  These precious people provide a powerful witness to the Gospel and lay the ground for a culture of witnesses.  "A vibrant Catholic identity and active promotion of gospel values in Catholic schools help foster future generations of disciples and evangelists."

"Discipleship is rooted in human experience.  It is through human experience that one enters into a dialogue with modern culture."  The human experience provides the "sensible signs' that help us come to know ourselves, one another, and God."  These are the concrete signs and works of the Holy Spirit present in the Christian's everyday life. Through retreats, bible studies, prayer groups, ecclesial movements give way to opportunities to grow and blossom in our faith and provide avenues of witnessing to each other.  With constant searching and participation in religious experiences, we can create a culture of witness that will continue to nurture our faith and the life of the Church as we go forward into the future.

Again, I'd like to share Justin Stroh's mini podcast part 4b, he also mentions that catholic schools have been a mainstay in our country that pass on the values to our children.  It is a great gift, but it is declining in many parts of the country, however, we need to pray and support these fine institutions. However, this does not mean that we pay the tuition, send off each day to the Catholic school and not live the faith at home by attending Mass, etc.

Dragon Slayers! Awesome book for 8-12 year olds!

Awesome book for 8-12 year olds: teaches about sin and virtue!

Dragon Slayers instructs with humor and diligence how to identify sins and vices in the form of dragons, learn tactics to withstand their attacks through Scripture and the proper use of the Armor of God. He also introduces our ultimate mentors: the Dragon Slayers of Old (the Saints) and the Chief Dragon Slayer Himself (Jesus).

Read more about this book at Equipping Catholic Families and if you decide to purchase the book from Equipping Catholic Families , you can get your very own FREE Dragon Slayers Progress Report download!







Monica is a wife, Mom of 5+ kids, a designer, an architecture school survivor, an author and a crafter who thinks it’s cool to be Catholic! Check out the Arma Dei Shoppe for solid Catholic, fun teaching tools and gifts to celebrate and teach the Catholic Faith and subscribe to Equipping Catholic Families for family-building and Faith-centred crafts! 

Back to Catechism Class with Cathletics Craft Kits! {Giveaway}

Back to Catechism Class Cathletics Craft Kits {GIVEAWAY}

 

 

This Giveaway is co-hosted by a an awesome group of Catholic Bloggers who have reviewed the Catholic books, quizzing cards and paper craft kits offered by

Arma Dei:

Equipping Catholic Families.

 

TEN Cathletics Craft Kits to pick from!

FOUR WINNERS will be selected!

These Catechism, Sacrament and prayer-PACKED paper craft kits

come with permission to photocopy for a WHOLE CLASS or

for all the kids who live in your house!

 

Enter the Cathletics Giveaway here!

 

Check out our Catholic Reviewer Panel!

Bible Adventures & Activities Review

I posted a review this morning of the book Bible Adventures & Activities that I received through the Catholic Company reviewer program. I am sharing it here because I think it is a book that many of you, particularly those of you who home-school, will find useful (and enjoyable) in your religious education curriculum.

Here's a peek into the review:

From the Book Description (back cover):

“Puzzle over the wonders of creation, search out the ways God has shown His love for us, and set out on the adventure of following Jesus! Filled with word games, exciting stories, picture puzzles, tricky quizzes and more!”
My thoughts:
Bible Adventures & Activities is my latest book to review for the Catholic Company. I chose this book because I thought it would be a fun book to incorporate into our bible studies. I was right...(Go here to read more...

Book Review: Catholic Update to Communion

I recently did a review of the book Catholic Update to Communion for the Catholic Company. Here is a little snippet of that review:

"For those of us who are well-versed in Church Teaching, many of the points in “Catholic Update Guide to Communion” are going to be a review of what we all ready know – and that’s a good thing. It is good to go back and remind ourselves of the richness of our faith and the Sacraments, especially the gift of the Eucharist.
For those of us who are not well-versed in Church Teaching,..." Go here to read more...

The New Evangelization, part 3: The Focus of the New Evangelization

Here is the 3rd part to the "Disciples Called to Witness, the New Evangelization" document written by the USCCB.  This post is my thoughts on part 3, and I am attaching Justin Stroh's mini-podcasts which are great in that they are short and explains the bishop's intent in easy terms.

Part III:  The Focus of the New Evangelization

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest”  Mt 11:28

Pope Benedict XVI describes some of the contemporary situation confronting modern man, including secularism, globalization, and social communications, the economy, scientific and technological research, and civic and political life.   Many of these societal realities are positive, but when taken to the extreme, they can lead to disillusionment and weariness.

This is where the New Evangelization comes in.  As fellow Christians, as kindred spirits in the Church, it is our mission to continue to be evangelized, refreshed, and to seek out the hope that is in our heavenly leader, Jesus Christ.  In this way, we can fully share our faith with others, especially those burdened and fallen away from the table of the Lord for one reason or another.  Ask yourself a few questions:  How do I touch people’s lives?  How do I interact with others in a spirit of love?  How do I explain how the faith addresses modern concerns?  Interaction with those who are away from the Lord is part and particle of the New Evangelization, but we must do so with love and respect.  

Again, the 3^rd commandment is discussed as part of the key of evangelization.  Secularism has led to a diminishing recognition of Sunday as the Lord’s Day, a holy day of prayer and rest.  It is through the full participation of the Mass that those burdened with life’s trials and tribulations can find some solace.  “Our hope is not in a program or philosophy, but in the person of Jesus Christ, who comforts those who are burdened.”

As examples of the New Evangelization, before we begin to talk to others about our faith and desire for their return, we must be examples of what that Christian life is.  How do we spend our Sundays?  How do we dress for Mass?  We certainly need to be refreshed in our own faith journey in order to share it with others.

In my previous post, “What does it mean to be TOO Catholic” I list several things that I practice as a Catholic; some have been labeled as TOO Catholic to me directly.  Several dear readers responded to this post and all were appreciative for the share.  Some wish they could be better, but all sounded passionate about their Catholic faith.  YES! 

So this is where the New Evangelization comes in!

What does it mean to be TOO Catholic??

Are you TOO Catholic if you want to lead a group of mothers (not all are Catholic) at a Catholic parish function in the Hail Mary?

Are you TOO Catholic if you want to attend Mass during the week?

Are you TOO Catholic if you want to pray morning, noon, and night each day?

Are you TOO Catholic if you have a crucifix in every room of your house and one in your office?

Are you TOO Catholic if you believe the teachings of the Catholic Church are to be upheld and not optional?

Are you TOO Catholic if you believe that life at all stages is precious and should be respected and protected?

Are you TOO Catholic if you wear a scapular?

Are you TOO Catholic if you sing liturgical hymns outside of Church?

Are you TOO Catholic if you make decisions on a daily basis based on being a Catholic?

Are you TOO Catholic if you think about God and Jesus every day and being a Catholic?

Are you TOO Catholic if you consider yourself a FAN of the Pope and follow him in the news.

Are you TOO Catholic if you buy Catholic books, read Catholic books, and attend only Catholic studies?

Are you TOO Catholic if you think Catholic hospitals and health care facilities should have a strong identity?

Are you TOO Catholic if you think Catholic schools and universities should have strong Catholic leadership?

Are you TOO Catholic if you think all Catholic schools should teach with materials true to the Magisterium?

Are you TOO Catholic if you buy Catholic t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, and jewelry.....and WEAR THEM??

Are you TOO Catholic if you teach and guide as a parent your children in the ways of the Church daily?

Are YOU too Catholic??