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“In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the people of God have become missionary disciples. All the baptized, whatever their position in the Church or their level of instruction in the faith, are agents of evangelization…”
Pope Francis Evangelii Gaudium, 120 Evangelize Me! is a new apostolate that was formed to help Catholics learn how to become effective missionary disciples for Christ. Every Catholic is called to an intimate love relationship with Jesus that leads to a more abundant and vibrant life. As we each grow in our knowledge of the great truths and mysteries of the faith, and experience their practical applications in our every day lives, we need also to learn how to communicate those truths, both through our words, and the example of our lives. How can Evangelize Me! Help this to happen? We seek to partner with parishes to provide dynamic, relevant classes, presentations, and events where folks can further encounter Christ, learn, and grow, and change. We can provide: For local parishes in southern Maine: On-going classes that meet weekly. Classes include: Entering the Abundant Life Introduction to the Scriptures The Life and Writings of St. Paul The Creed The Sacraments The Christian Life Healthy Relationships For parishes further away: Advent and Lenten Retreats Days of Reflection Evangelization Training Workshops Parish Missions All of these will be provided at no cost to the parish except the traveling expenses… We ask only that we be allowed to take up a freewill offering from those who desire to give. Why are we offering it for free? We need to remove any barrier we can that might prevent a parish from being able to receive these opportunities. We know that most parishes have small budgets and that some smaller parishes are struggling to simply pay their bills. For these parishes to survive and someday thrive, they need to be able to access these services at no cost. How you can help the Church become a Church that evangelizes? Pray! Pope Benedict XVI said that every endeavor of the New Evangelization must be “drenched” in prayer. Pope John Paul II told us in Salvific Doloris 27 that the most powerful prayer we have is the uniting of our suffering with Christ’s and the offering of it up to the Father for the redemption of others. He says, “It is suffering, more than anything else, which clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls. Suffering, more than anything else, makes present in the history of humanity the powers of the Redemption.” Offer your suffering and ask that our work would be effective for turning hearts towards the Lord, for changing lives, and that we would have strength and the Lord’s guidance as we begin this new work. Support! In order to be able to offer these quality, life-changing events at no charge to parishes in Maine, we need monthly supporters. Our immediate goal is to find 30 individuals or families willing to give $50 per month. This would enable us to have a minimum financial foundation to begin the work immediately. If you would please prayerfully consider a monthly gift of any amount, we would be eternally grateful!
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It seems that everywhere I turn lately there is another story of a well known christian leader who has fallen from the faith, is divorcing their long time spouse, or fallen into some gross moral failure. Signs of the times we live in. It could be easily discouraging for their brothers and sisters in faith if they do not understand these times. These times…this is the time of great battle. The days for the battle for the soul of the Church as it stands against the onslaught of the enemy to destroy it; pulling the western culture down to where the destruction of the church will be seen as a righteous act of ridding the world of those judgmental bigots. These are the times we live in, but we need not be afraid, because we were born for such a time as this. We were chosen for this battle. predestined, before time began, with the infinite wisdom and overflowing love of the Father, for this time.
With every battle, there are casualties; people deeply wounded from constant assault and temptation, may God give them healing and courage. With every battle there are those who turn coat to fulfill their flesh, for profit or for fear; may God have mercy on their souls. In every battle there are heroes. Saints, who rise in the power and joy and wisdom of the Spirit. Saints, who battle the hopelessness, and hatred and lies of the world to be free. Free to live and speak the truth in pure love regardless of the consequences. Free from fear and shame and ego and politics, fully surrendered to the Christ the Savior and Lord of time and eternity. They serve the God of Hope, the God of all comfort.In faith, rooted and grounded in the Father’s love for them as his children, that nothing can separate them from, they love radically and unconditionally and proclaim the Truth, who is the Son. They live in faith, knowing this life is just the prelude, the childhood, the preparation for sharing the eternal life of the familial love of the Trinity. And so my dear friends, some of whom are suffering greatly, do not despair. Some of you are enduring great suffering to prepare you for the task God has created you for; a basic training of sorts so that you can be the warrior you need to be. Some of you feel like you are dying in this time but remember our Savior’s words….unless a grain of wheat dies…it is the divine economy of all of creation, physical and spiritual, that only in dying can life be brought forth. May God grant you faith in the resurrection, as impossible as it seems, so you can sustain hope in the hopeless situation you stand in. The Church of Jesus Christ has suffered before, been attacked from within and without before, it has been despised and persecuted, indeed, some of the most powerful people and cultures of all of history has tried to destroy this Church. None has ever succeeded, none ever will. From our particular spot on the battlefield it may appear so at times, but the gates and powers of hell itself will not win. We serve the Lord who has destroyed principalities and powers, and sits over them in authority. He promises to use all things for the good if his beloved children. Rest in that love. Trust in that love. Love rules all, and it never fails. |
AuthorDon Smith is a "revert" to the Catholic Church. After being a Protestant minister for over 20 years he is happy to be "home." Archives
September 2023
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