Evangelisation News and Events: South Tyneside Deanery Day
Parishioners from Jarrow, South Shields, Hebburn, Boldon and Whitburn gathered together for a day in St Matthew’s, Jarrow, called “Heralds of the Gospel” on Saturday 25th October. Clare Ward, from CASE, was the keynote speaker for this day, which was organised by the diocesan evangelisation team, as part of a programme promoting evangelisation in South Tyneside.
The day began with coffee, then a Gathering Prayer, with readings and hymns.
Clare gave a lively and absorbing talk on evangelisation, using personal experiences to illustrate it. She spoke about the importance of using simple language and being ready with our answers, in our response to the call for a ‘New Evangelisation’.
Listening to keynote speaker Clare Ward talking about evangelisation
“A lot of what we are to do today is about how to attract people and draw them in, but doing it sensitively and appropriately.” Clare said, and helped those present to examine the challenges of our culture.
Obstacles and approaches to the New Evangelisation were looked at with the help of some entertaining dramas prepared and performed by local people; this lead to some lively discussion in groups.
Taking part in discussion
Sharing ideas together
Sharing soup and buns at lunchtime
John Hardy and Fr John Gibbons do the washing up
At lunch time everybody enjoyed bowls of delicious soup, with buns and cheese, generously provided by St Matthew’s Church, and coffee throughout the day provided by Sacred Heart Parish, Boldon.
Clare told us that now is an excellent time to be preaching the Gospel, as interest in faith and things spiritual is increasing in our western culture.
“There is a need to feed that spiritual hunger” she said, and asked the question “How outside our church are we reaching out?”
Ways of leaving seeds in non-church venues were looked at, and possibilities including leaving prayer cards/flyers in shops etc suggested. Outreach to the ‘lapsed’ or resting Catholics was also explored.
Frances and Alison discussing how to share faith
Clare encouraged us to think about the witness that we can give just by responding to questions others might ask, and replying without using 'jargon'.
Examples of such questions might be: “Who is Jesus?”, or “You go to church – what is it all about?”
In our answers, Clare said, we could attract the enquirer to look for more information. “How can you share the gospel message with them,” she asked, “and signpost them to Jesus?
During the day people enjoyed lively discussions and opportunities for sharing in groups.
A special feature of the day was the absorbing testimonies given by local people - these added an extra dimension and inspiration to the day,
The day ended with prayer, a commissioning service and anointing.
The diocesan evangelisation team would like to thank all those taking part in the day, Frances for providing the music, all those who gave testimonies, and especially Clare for travelling up from London to lead the day, and to the parishes providing the hospitality.
The Evangelisation programme continues in Advent and Lent.
Some members of the Diocesan Evangelisation Team with Clare Ward. (L to R Sr Michael, Clare Ward, Ingelise, Rosie, Fr Martin Stempczyk, Sr Mary)