Why "Evangelize Me"? (Part 1)

Why is this little ministry of mine called "Evangelize Me."? (Part 1)

I grew up in beautiful northern Maine. The northernmost county in Maine is called Aroostook County. It covers nearly 7,000 square miles, the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined, but with a population of about 70,000. That says a lot all by itself. There are are literally millions of acres of woods in northern Maine. I grew up on a potato farm in Caribou. Aroostook County for many years, supplied potatoes for the east coast. And Caribou often had the distinction of being the coldest spot in the country. Though the trout filled brooks and ponds, crystal clear lakes, and spectacular wilderness make it a nature lovers dream, it is the people, the simple, kind, neighborly people that really make it special. 

Other than college years and missions work, I have spent almost my entire life in Maine. I lived on the midcoast, the western mountains and in the central parts. I have hiked, canoed, kayaked, camped or skied in every county and loved every trip. Wherever I go in Maine, I find beautiful scenery, lots of woods to explore, and wonderful, loving people. I love this state and its people.

After discovering the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith and becoming involved in parish life, I quickly realized there was a dire need in many parishes for renewal. So many Catholics don't understand their faith and so many are not practicing it. As I learned about the New Evangelization called for by St. John Paul II, and his successors, I felt called to devote my energies to help the parishes of Maine embrace the call to discover the richness of Christ's grace and learn how to bring the message of hope to their families, neighbors and communities.

So, I decided to name my little apostolate, "Evangelize Me." For those of you who don't know, "Me." is the abbreviation for Maine. 

But that is just part of the story.....