Evangelization Supplement

A Catholic toolbox for evangelization

As Jesus’ disciples, we are committed to building. We build relationships, we build community and, ultimately, we help build Jesus Christ’s Church on Earth. Just like any other builder, we need tools.

Basic Tools

• Our faith in Jesus Christ
• Our frequent celebration of the sacraments
• Prayer
• Our frequent invitations to others to join us at Mass and parish events
• Our understanding of the faith

A great resource is the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. For more information on it and other publications of the U.S. bishops, log on to www.usccbpublishing.org.

Specialty Tools for the Unchurched

• Witness to your faith by sharing your faith story
• Knowing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (talk to a parish staff person who oversees RCIA)
• Understanding common misunderstandings about the Catholic faith
• Committing to stay in touch with these sisters and brothers who deserve to hear the Good News

Try reading “Top 10 Questions Catholics are Asked,” a pamphlet published by Our Sunday Visitor. And check out www.catholic.com, a Web site with lots of factual information about the Catholic faith.

Tools to draw back inactive Catholics

• Patient listening
• Compassionate responses to the problems that led them away from the Church
• Understanding that faith is renewed in God’s time
• Setting out Catholic reading material in your home

Such books or pamphlets could include What Catholics Believe by Mike Aquilina and Father Kris Stubna, and “Top 10 Reasons for Coming Back to the Catholic Church.”

Also check out www.CatholicsComeHome.org, a Web site geared for inactive Catholics or those who are discovering the Catholic faith for the first time.

Catholic battery chargers

• Participate in eucharistic adoration
• Go on a retreat or day of recollection
• Dedicate time for prayer every day
• Participate in adult faith formation opportunities
• Commit to go to confession about once a month

Check out www.lighthousecatholicmedia.com for many reasonably priced audio CDs that can educate you and others about the faith. †