Wait, Catholics evangelize?

[Geist]

This may seem odd from someone in RCIA....but almost all of us are there because we married a Catholic.

I can honestly say I've never been approached by a Catholic for conversion.

Mormons? Yes. Born again? Yes. Chabad Lubavitch? Yes. Baptists? Yes.

Catholics? Never.

What exactly does Catholic evangelism entail and how does it differ form any of the above? or does it consist solely of marrying non-Catholics? Its definitely a fun way...but perhaps not so efficient!

And why have I never heard of Catholic evangelicism?

[joanofarc2008]

Catholic evangelism just involves carrying the message. Sometimes it is not about going door to door but in our behaviors and acts of mercy. I would recommend a google search of Catholic and "New Evangelization."

[The_Scott]

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” - St. Francis of Assisi

[Inego de Loyola]

Though going door to door couldn't hurt.

[TrueLight]

I feel differently about Evangelizing. I do believe in sharing my faith and I would definitely volunteer to stand in front of a table with tracts and maybe even pray with people.

But of course one can say that's because I was raised Evangelical. Maybe so.

I do know a cradle Catholic who teams with her friend to hand out "rosary packets" and tracts.

[MichaelTDoyle]

Originally Posted by The_Scott

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” - St. Francis of Assisi

I don't think this is an injunction not to use words or he would be in contradiction with Peter 3:15. I think he meant actions speak louder than words, which is true, but sometimes it seems we never use words or are ashamed to use words.

[The_Scott]

Originally Posted by MichaelTDoyle

I don't think this is an injunction not to use words or he would be in contradiction with Peter 3:15. I think he meant actions speak louder than words, which is true, but sometimes it seems we never use words or are ashamed to use words.

Sorry, I should have elaborated after posting that quote.

What I meant to imply is that, per St. Francis's saying, Catholics live their lives as good Catholics as a way of preaching. That's not to say, of course, that there is shouldn't be any "door-to-door" Catholics - but the reason why there aren't is probably because we live, not speak, our faith.

[jmcrae]

Originally Posted by The_Scott

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” - St. Francis of Assisi

We live in a generation that needs words. Everyone is kind and polite, even the atheists.

[iloveangels]

Originally Posted by jmcrae

We live in a generation that needs words. Everyone is kind and polite, even the atheists.

The problem with this statement is that people take it out of context. Catholics tend to say this when they don't want to go out of their way to evangelize.

Do you know that most people in an average workplace don't even know who the Catholics in the group are? How can you possibly evangelize for the Church if no one knows you're Catholic???????

If you go along with the flow, what is the conclusion others have every right to draw???? Is that evangelizing???? Exactly for who or what is that evangelizing????

[nickybr38]

Originally Posted by iloveangels

The problem with this statement is that people take it out of context. Catholics tend to say this when they don't want to go out of their way to evangelize.

Do you know that most people in an average workplace don't even know who the Catholics in the group are? How can you possibly evangelize for the Church if no one knows you're Catholic???????

If you go along with the flow, what is the conclusion others have every right to draw???? Is that evangelizing???? Exactly for who or what is that evangelizing????

You know... the first time I read this comment I didn't notice all the question marks. Were they there from the start?

Heh. Anyway, I'm pretty vocal about my beliefs. For example, and I know this may not be considered 'correct', but I have warned my coworkers that I'm fasting tomorrow so they know why I'm all grumpy when I come in. I can't help it! When I'm without food I get irritable.

I also openly talk about things I get excited for at Church. Like the Talent Show, or Lent, or Christmas, or whatever!

I know people say we shouldn't be like I am. We shouldn't go around broadcasting these things but it's part of who I am so why should I hide it? That's kind of how I look at things.

[iloveangels]

Originally Posted by nickybr38

You know... the first time I read this comment I didn't notice all the question marks. Were they there from the start?

Heh. Anyway, I'm pretty vocal about my beliefs. For example, and I know this may not be considered 'correct', but I have warned my coworkers that I'm fasting tomorrow so they know why I'm all grumpy when I come in. I can't help it! When I'm without food I get irritable.

I also openly talk about things I get excited for at Church. Like the Talent Show, or Lent, or Christmas, or whatever!

I know people say we shouldn't be like I am. We shouldn't go around broadcasting these things but it's part of who I am so why should I hide it? That's kind of how I look at things.

Good for you. You are the exception to the rule.

[ruth0903]

Originally Posted by Geist

This may seem odd from someone in RCIA....but almost all of us are there because we married a Catholic.

I can honestly say I've never been approached by a Catholic for conversion.

Mormons? Yes. Born again? Yes. Chabad Lubavitch? Yes. Baptists? Yes.

Catholics? Never.

What exactly does Catholic evangelism entail and how does it differ form any of the above? or does it consist solely of marrying non-Catholics? Its definitely a fun way...but perhaps not so efficient!

And why have I never heard of Catholic evangelicism?

I, too, am in RCIA. One of the things I asked my 2 Catholic sisters (who converted apprx 25 yrs ago) was, "why didn't you ever tell me how awesome your faith/church is?" They both said they didn't want to pressure me. I think of all the years I was searching without ever considering the Catholic Church, what a waste!

I am learning about the New evangelism, and am excited to now be a part of this Church.

God Bless,
Ruth

[nickybr38]

Originally Posted by Geist

This may seem odd from someone in RCIA....but almost all of us are there because we married a Catholic.

I can honestly say I've never been approached by a Catholic for conversion.

Mormons? Yes. Born again? Yes. Chabad Lubavitch? Yes. Baptists? Yes.

Catholics? Never.

What exactly does Catholic evangelism entail and how does it differ form any of the above? or does it consist solely of marrying non-Catholics? Its definitely a fun way...but perhaps not so efficient!

And why have I never heard of Catholic evangelicism?

Catholics evangelize by living their lives according to the faith... now, not all Catholics are living that life but that is, I do believe, what Catholic evangelization is supposed to look like.

[Journey322]

Originally Posted by Geist

This may seem odd from someone in RCIA....but almost all of us are there because we married a Catholic.

I can honestly say I've never been approached by a Catholic for conversion.

Mormons? Yes. Born again? Yes. Chabad Lubavitch? Yes. Baptists? Yes.

Catholics? Never.

What exactly does Catholic evangelism entail and how does it differ form any of the above? or does it consist solely of marrying non-Catholics? Its definitely a fun way...but perhaps not so efficient!

And why have I never heard of Catholic evangelicism?

To be honest, neither have I. Even the Catholics I am really close with and have attended Mass with a few times don't really talk to me about their faith or even invite me to church. These friends are very involved in their parish. *Don't get me wrong, I'm kind of glad they haven't because I don't know what I believe anymore. I'm just saying it has been different than what I've experienced in the past. I used to be Southern Baptist and they take a completely different approach to evangelism.

[StephenEstes]

Originally Posted by Geist

This may seem odd from someone in RCIA....but almost all of us are there because we married a Catholic.

I can honestly say I've never been approached by a Catholic for conversion.

Mormons? Yes. Born again? Yes. Chabad Lubavitch? Yes. Baptists? Yes.

Catholics? Never.

What exactly does Catholic evangelism entail and how does it differ form any of the above? or does it consist solely of marrying non-Catholics? Its definitely a fun way...but perhaps not so efficient!

And why have I never heard of Catholic evangelicism?

Heres the deal. There is a lot to be said about Catholic evangelism. There are many door-to-door Catholic evangelists but even more popular is probably the many programs that hire missionaries. (I have worked as a Catholic missionary here in the U.S. for ministry programs and on days off on Saturdays we would go on evangelism trips to Walmart etc. and see people have changes in their heart right there). Many parishes often have evangelization programs but you will probably see greater force coming out of ministry programs or evangelistic outreaches. Searching New Evangelization is a good idea. Check out programs like: Life Teen, FOCUS, Adore Ministries, NET Ministries, Charismatic Renewal, Fraternus, Dirty Vagabond Ministries, Steubenville Conferences etc. etc.

and YES, living out one's faith in a morally good way is of course of extreme and utmost importance BUT it is too often used as an excuse to not do evangelism. If you were confirmed then you were sealed with a responsibility to pass on the faith, and truly living a life in the Holy Spirit, we should be open to discipleship wherever we feel God calling us, to our families and to the stranger who is checking us out in the store. One should ask themselves why they are Catholic and then consider why they would think that wasn't important enough to help others see that love and truth, of course in a charitable and loving way