Evangelization

Dear Evangelization Colleague,

As we move into the various phases of post-COVID life and ministry, please do not forget that now is an important time to Evangelize. Many parishes that have live stream liturgies saw attendance grow more than 5% than on Sundays before the social distancing regulations were put in place. Who are these 5%? In addition to our regular parishioners, are they individuals who have returned because of the pandemic?  Are they “seekers” grappling with the God-shaped hole in their lives?  I suggest that in addition to important and necessary post pandemic concerns regarding both the Masses and finances, that pastors and leaders highlight three additional areas: Team, Church, and the Mission Field.

TEAM: Through a variety of technologies stay connected with all of those who are in positions of leadership (team) in your parish. Ongoing communication with staff, pastoral council members, ministry leaders, major benefactors and others is key. Communicate often with a “clarity of vision” to move the mission of the Gospel and your parish forward. With these and others ask: “What is God’s dream for our parish?” Asked another way, What is our “Why?”   Often parishes run to the “How” question before they answer, analyze, and understand the “Why.” The second question: What is our “where?”  This is the vision question. Vision casting, based in prayer and deep listening, is a very important part of pastoring and co-responsible leadership. Once a community understands God’s vision for their Church, pastors and the team need to help parishioners get behind that vision. This time of Covid-19 provides us with the opportunity to ask these questions with our team.

CHURCH: Staying connected to our Church members should have leadership focused on:  how to care for them, how to grow them, and how to mobilize them. Leadership done well gets others mobilized to assist in building the kingdom of God and to care for others. Here the words of Jesus, found in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:16-20, should speak boldly to us, “Go make disciples…”

MISSION FIELD: Pope Francis warns the Church not to be closed in on itself or self-referential, as disciples we are to be outward focused reaching “the very outskirts of existence” with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In doing so as disciples of Jesus, we make it a goal to reach the lost and serve the least.

In the Joy of the Gospel and his other writings, Pope Francis’ pastoral wisdom introduces the notion of “encounter” and “accompaniment” of our neighbors, including seekers, as ways to think about the essential mission of the Church which is Evangelization. May we continue to pray for a new Pentecost and look for the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit who is with us every step of the way as we reach out to introduce others to Jesus, even in the midst of Covid-19.  May your parish’s attentiveness to that Spirit enable you to see and hear what God is calling you to next.

If we in the Office of Evangelization can assist you, please let us know. Stay safe and healthy. 

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us.

Very Rev. David G. Caron, OP, D. Min.
Vicar of Evangelization
 

Guided by the priorities and goals set forth by the 9th Archdiocesan Synod, the Vicar and Office of Evangelization will enact strategies to resource all Archdiocesan offices, parishes, educational institutions, and organizations to carry out the work of the Gospel throughout our local Church.

Address: 7887 Walmsley Ave.
City: New Orleans
State: LA
Zip: 70125
Phone: 504-267-9650
Fax: 504-866-2906
Web:  nolacatholic.org/evangelization
Email:  evangelization@arch-no.org