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May 6, 2024Last week I began to discuss what it means to evangelize and this week I would like to begin to look at it more closely. I am relying on the work and quoting from some of the books by Sherry Weddell, a well-known and respected author on the topic of Evangelization in the Catholic Church. However, before we go too far, pre-evangelizing is what we also need to think about. One way that we pre-evangelize or get ready to talk to anyone about Jesus and being his disciple is by first living our faith in a way that makes others notice. We need to be welcoming to those who are seeking and ready to provide a positive experience for them. As I mentioned last week, are we trustworthy representatives?
The first phase then, is to begin to trust someone who is a Christian believer. This is important for us to know and be ready to present to others that we are helping to build a bridge to God. They do not believe yet but believe that we believe.
The second phase is to allow the person space to express spiritual curiosity. This is a moment in which a person has not changed but is intrigued and may be ready to know more about God and what it means to know Jesus. They do not believe yet but are open to it.
Stage three is one in which a person intends and decides to open themselves to God. They are ready to change. This is a difficult stage and they are only open to the possibility of change.
In stage four a person is actively seeking God and now becomes consciously ready to change their lives.
Finally, at the fifth stage, someone, in imitation of Peter in the Gospels, decides to “drop their nets” and follow Jesus. They seek to be obedient to Jesus and reorder their lives according to what Jesus is calling them to do.
This is an outline that Ms. Weddell has seen over a long time of interviewing and working with adults coming into the faith. Interestingly, it also works at the high school level, a place where skepticism can run high and in fact, does. With patience and kindness, we have seen results in our own parish. This formula has worked numerous times to help us bring others to know Jesus and to evangelize those who were away or never knew Jesus until recently. This is what our Alpha program has been about for the last seven years and more.
To return to the beginning, pre-evangelization is what we need to do and towards that end, I would like to invite everyone to participate in this one program. I invite you to take a morning or evening walk around your neighborhood and pray for each house you pass by. Simply say, “Lord Jesus open the hearts of all those who live in this building to your love through the intercession of Mary”. Then say one Hail Mary. You needn’t speak to anyone or tell them what you are doing, just go ahead and pray for the whole neighborhood. I have been doing this for the last week and have covered Essex Street from Ziggy’s to Flint Street, Federal Street, from the shrine to St. James, Derby, to Memorial and the first three or four side streets that connect from Derby to Essex (as far as the car repair shop). It is achievable and I think the goal should be every house and domicile in Salem. If we all work together and cooperate with God, I am sure that we will see God blessing the work and showing us the fruits of our efforts.
Peace,
Father Murray
Catholic Appeal. This week we increased a little to 82% of the goal. We are at $40,917.00 on our way to $50,200.00. Thanks to all who have donated. Please consider helping us toward our goal.
Our Alpha program continues to move along and we are now beginning the fifth week in which our guests explore the questions of faith and the role it has in our lives. Thanks to Steve, Shayne, Rosa, and all the team for their work in introducing Jesus to those who are curious or seeking.
Happy Mother’s Day to all who are mothers, are remembering with love their mothers, and mother types, in whatever form they came. May they receive God’s blessings.
Building news. Last week I met with the construction company doing the work on the front of the building. There is a lot more damage than was evident once the scaffolding went up.
The price of the whole job has increased by $24,500.00. The cross and much of the sandstone architectural detail have some damage or deterioration. This will require some special work to replace and restore some of the arches. The company will also be painting the upper eave the same evergreen color to match the arches over the doors.
Closer to the ground, we have decided to fill in the koi pond and change it to a flower garden to continue to honor the statue of Mary. Over the years, wear and tear, vandalism, and the weather have made it more difficult to continue to care for it in a reasonable way. Thanks to Lou and the garden team for their work. We also have someone coming to look at the monument to reimagine a way to present both messages.
