Two Essays on the New EvangelizationTHE CHALLENGE OF THE NEW EVANGELIZATIONThe Catholic population has frequently studied the “New Evangelization” for its meaning and what it calls us to do. How is it different from the previous understanding of our faith and catechesis? Pope Benedict XV1 and Pope John Paul II had a great urgency to proclaim and live the call of the Gospel and they invite each of us to do the same. This includes sharing with others, both believers and non-believers and with many whose lives we touch. The invitation comes from the mandate of Jesus to “go tell all nations.” Like the early followers of Jesus, each of us is commissioned to evangelize and use the gifts we have been given to live and share the truth of the Gospel. We never do it alone. We have the gifts of the Spirit to empower and sustain us every step of the way. In 2011, a special meeting was held at the Vatican to look at the topic of the “New Evangelization. “ It was a very diverse group of participants from around the world, and they shared many unique ideas, hopes and dreams for a renewed commitment to evangelization. In 2012, Master General of the Dominican Order, Fr. Bruno Cadore, OP, was elected to be present at the Synod meeting. He represented the broader church and the Dominican Order. Sisters and Brothers from around the world shared their ideas on living the Gospel, especially at this challenging time in our history. Today, many Catholics are dropping out of the Catholic Church and away from their faith, and seeking new expressions of their beliefs. Young people, especially, find themselves in this dilemma. They are hoping for a spiritual base and expression they can relate to. They also need a place where they can share their frustrations and hopes and find ways to express their desire for a future church. Many are seeking ways to share their diverse gifts to bring help and hope to needy people locally, nationally and globally What is new in the new evangelization? Why do we need it? Many Catholic churches are shrinking in membership and seeking a way to listen to people’s needs and respond to them in a meaningful way. In many places, people are crossing borders and going to live in different areas where they can support their families and enable them to live with dignity and hope. Often people are hoping for good preaching in parish churches. Priests and other church leaders can enable them to learn good English and ways to preach effectively. Parish members who have the skills could be involved in this endeavor. Pastors need to listen deeply to the hopes of all the people, especially to those who have left the church or are considering it. Young people can be empowered to choose ways they can be involved in contributing to the growth of the church and create meaningful ways for all youth to share their many gifts. All of us, leaders and members alike, need to stop and examine how we live the Gospel by the witness of our lives. Do we have a passion for the call of Jesus, to proclaim the Gospel both to those near us and far away from us? Can the gifts of lay members in the congregation be used to bring life and hope to all? Can the voice of women be heard? All of us can deepen our faith through study, discussion, prayer and reflection on the Word of God and let the Word get inside of us and transform our lives. This can lead us to live what we believe. Youth can be invited to name their spiritual gifts and ways they can use them in their congregations. Meetings of people from other parishes or diocesan groups to share ways of revitalizing their membership could be very helpful. Where do people need encouragement and motivation? Discuss ways to provide it. Parish leaders also need to ask if they are making the best use of the many gifts within their congregation. All must work to restore faith in church leadership, often tarnished by stories of abuse and other issues among the clergy. The catechesis used must be effectively involved in the new evangelization. Parents, teachers and church members can be prepared to live and preach the Gospel with hope and joy. Others will catch on to this approach and want to do the same. Gospel stories can demonstrate for us what approach to take. The Gospel of non-violence, caring and compassion needs to be studied, lived and shared. We are called to understand our loving and compassionate God not only through the Ten Commandments, but especially through the study, teaching and practice of the Beatitudes. This would help the listeners to address violence in their daily lives and work to bring about peace and non-violence. The Sermon on the Mount is one of the key teachings of nonviolent resistance. Jesus also emphasizes love of enemies and doing good to those who hate us. Leaders and teachers must work to put students and others in contact with Jesus and develop a strong relationship with him. A holistic approach to catechesis is needed in our day, to challenge our beliefs and help us live the Gospel with courage and hope. We need a firm foundation for our faith in all aspects of our lives. Pray and reflect on what the Gospel is calling us to in our time and place and work to put it into practice in our daily lives.. In the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese, adults and youth are encouraged to get together to study the document on the “New Evangelization” and find specific ways they can put it into practice and make the Catholic Church more attractive for all. Everyone is invited to look for true peace and happiness that can be found in Christ, and not only in pursuing their own interests and needs. Ask “How can each of us be Light of the World and salt of the earth?” No effort is too small to make a difference.
“Evangelii Gaudium” – The Joy of the Gospel By Sr. Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican The new apostolic exhortation issued by Pope Francis challenges all Catholics to “be more missionary, more merciful, and with courage to change”. He also challenges the church’s customs, way of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures, so that they can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world, rather than for self-preservation . Pope Francis wants the church to be marked by a special passion for the poor of our times and for being peace-makers. We cannot remain at a distance just to feel safe and secure. The church must be a house of the Father where all are welcome. Solidarity with the poor and working for peace are constitutive elements of being a missionary church. He calls all Catholics to be strong advocates for a just economy, to oppose income inequality and unemployment, and to advocate for stronger environmental protection and speak out against armed conflict. Pope Francis reminds us that if we fail to look at these issues and think only of our own comfort, we are engaging in nothing less than slow suicide. The commandments already warn us “Thou shalt not kill.” There are many ways we are doing this. We must safeguard the value of human life and create an economy that is just and sustainable. Pope Francis gives credit to his predecessor, Pope Benedict,who frequently called us to be promoters of justice and peace. If we live in this way, we will experience and live and share the joy of the Gospel. We must radically resolve the problems of the poor and change the systems and structure that created the crisis in the first place. We are encouraged to support politicians who will get involved in bringing about needed changes and hope for a better future. Pope Francis reminds us that our preaching “is to restore the beauty of the saving love of God made manifest in Jesus Christ.” He also said that he still believes that the Church cannot ordain women or accept abortion. Pope Francis emphasized that these topics are not ones that are open for discussion. Women can be incorporated into more leadership roles in the church. (Today, many women are now hoping for change in this area. We hope in the future that change will be possible and open the door for full leadership for women in the church). Strong action must be taken to change the structures in our present economy, More interaction is also encouraged among people of various denominations, They include other Christian churches, Jews, and Muslims. We can learn from each other and respect the values and practices of various faith traditions and work together for the common good. In working to create a peaceful community and world, we are to raise a prophetic voice and speak out strongly on the need to support peace and not war. We are to wait patiently and with perseverance in order to accomplish the desired results. Evangelization must be an important part of our endeavor in order to influence the social, political , religious and cultural spheres. The pope calls all to be open to working fearlessly with the Spirit and have the courage to speak with courage and hope, and know that the mission of Jesus and a passion for his people come first. He wants us to touch human misery, to touch the suffering flesh of others. We must give reason for the hope that comes to us in our important ministry. The Pope urges us not to be discouraged or afraid of failure or limited results. Only our commitment is necessary. The Spirit will inspire and guide us in accomplishing the Mission. The Pope challenges the free market approach. He said that” if left to its own devices, the market too often fosters a throw-away culture” in which certain categories of people are seen as disposable. He reminds us we will not survive if we lock ourselves up or hide and refuse to share. Such a life is never life-giving. The full text of the document can be found at http://ncronline.org. or google “Evangelii Gaudium” by Pope Francis for the full text of the document and ways to put it into practice.
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