Evangelization has a rich heritage in the Catholic Church, a heritage that extends back 2,000 years to the very foundation of the Church.
Evangelization is a word which may not associate with the Catholic Church. It can be defined as a gentle caring approach to sharing our Catholic faith through kind works, education, forgiveness, personal witness and postive action. Effective evangelization is more like a steady drip than big splash. This is most effectively done through everyday evangelization.
Everyday Evangelizing in All Situations |
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Respond with "thank God" when someone shares good news. |
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Wear a cross or other symbol of your faith. |
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Share a story how God works in your life. |
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Ask people to pray for your intentions. |
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Start a discussion with "I believe" or "Jesus says." |
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Introduce those searching to Christ. |
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Invite to Church those not part of a faith community. |
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Make the sign of the cross when dining out. |
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Treat everyone you meet with dignity. |
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Do not judge others. |
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Share a smile and personal greeting. |
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Share with neighbors about your parish. |
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Share a smile or personal greeting with a stranger. |
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Everday Evangelizing Through Social Justice |
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Help those less fortunate by sharing time, talent, or money. |
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Identify your own prejudices. |
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Network with those who support your values. |
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Watch the news with the eyes of Christ. |
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Learn the facts on all sides of an issue. |
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Publicly express your opinion. |
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Act on your conviction. |
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Learn and address the values of our government. |
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Vote intelligently. |
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Work in a soup kitchen, shelter, or at some other charitable agency. |
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Everday Evangelizing in the Workplace |
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Transact all business dealings honestly. |
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Offer to pray for a co-worker who has shared personal concerns. |
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Interact with co-workers who share your Christian beliefs. |
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Respect others' religious beliefs. |
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Pray before making decisions. |
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Verbalize Christ in your life. |
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Everyday Evangelizing in the Home |
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Devote a specific amount of time to your daily prayer life. |
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Share a Bible story with your children before bedtime. |
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Discuss the readings with your family after Mass. |
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Pray grace before meals. |
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Proudly display symbols of your faith. |
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Celebrate your feast days. |
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Establish family rituals based on the Church year. |
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Discuss the morality of a TV show. |
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Begin and end the day with prayer. |
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Everyday Evangelizing in the Parish |
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Introduce yourself to those around you. |
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Get involved, if only on a small scale. |
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Periodically change pews to meet others. |
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Be gracious in the parking lot. |
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Explain rituals to those unfamiliar with the Catholic faith. |
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Send a card to the newly baptized or confirmed. |
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Support parish leaders. |
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Invite a friend for coffee after Mass to discuss the readings. |
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Take time to get to know other members of your parish community. |
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Warmly greet others at Mass whom you do not know. |