Sr Michael writes:

No sooner is Christmas over than Lent seems to loom over us. 

So how to evangelise in Lent?        Answer: The Purple Ribbon Campaign

Wearing a ribbon of a particular colour is a statement in our society, so we are launching a Purple Ribbon Campaign in Lent which we hope will be taken up by parishes, schools especially secondary schools and youth clubs etc.

The idea is simple: we wear a purple ribbon and when people ask the significance, it is an opportunity to explain that Lent is a time of penance and preparation for the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection. We can perhaps explain why we call the day Christ died ‘Good’ Friday.  This will hopefully lead on to a conversation about the Good News of God’s love and forgiveness and our salvation through Christ’s sacrifice of his life, not to mention the promise of eternal life.  All good religious words that we take for granted until someone questions us!  If we are open to encounters of this kind, we are actively evangelising those we speak to.

The ribbons will be attached to cards that explain the above - available from Sr Michael: marymichael.lee7@googlemail.com    We will send you as many cards as you want and hope that you will get a group together in parish or school to attach the ribbon which can be bought cheaply at any market.  The cards with ribbon can then be distributed at the end of Mass or at a school assembly.

The Welcome Back Campaign
We have already started on the Welcome Back campaign for this year which will culminate on Pentecost Sunday  May 27th.
The aim this year as it is The Year of Faith, is to invite people who have drifted away from the practice of their faith to give it another chance. We have just worked out our strategy which will be unfolded gradually from March onwards and are now working on resources.
Meanwhile, think of anyone you can invite for a cup of coffee or introduce to a priest for a conversation.  Many are just waiting for an opportunity so make it easy for them.

Deanery Evangelisation Groups
There will be a half day in Ashington St Aidan’s on Sat Feb 4th 10-1pm to help groups to prepare for Lent and Easter in a practical way. If you are in the North of the Diocese come along to that.
The same day will be repeated at Seaham  Sat 11th Feb  10-1pm
These are days of encouragement, support and practical suggestions for all those interested in the ministry of evangelisation. You don’t need to belong to any group – just come along on Sat Feb 4th or Sat Feb 11th at 10 am.

Sr Michael, Diocesan Evangelisation Team Coordinator

marymichael.lee7@googlemail.com

A member of the Diocesan Evangelisation team writes:

Pilgrims in Jerusalem

On my recent pilgrimage to Jerusalem I felt overwhelmed visiting all the holy places. Walking down the Mount of Olives and reaching the garden of Gethsemane was very moving. All the pilgrims in our group walked the Via Dolorosa carrying the cross and stopping at the 14 stations. As we walked along  I could almost image what Our Lord must have felt. The crowds around us were mostly indifferent, shopkeepers wanted to distract us whilst we were meditating and soldiers on duty laughed at us as we stopped and prayed. We could not understand what they said but by the look at their faces I felt I was being mocked. Some women  with their children did stop and looked with kindness on us (just like "the women of Jerusalem")

When we try to tell people we meet that Jesus suffered because he loves us all, this is received in many different ways but we should never get discouraged if some people mock us. There will be people who will take our message to heart.

A member of the Diocesan Evangelisation team writes:

This month of February sees the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday.
In the Gospel for the beginning of Lent we are given advice by Jesus on prayer: "When you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place..... Mt.6

The best evangelisers are natural contemplatives - people of prayer.  If we aren't praying behind the door of our hearts we will never be an evangelising Church. The next time you take your dog out for a walk why not say a silent prayer in your heart for each person you see. Prayer Walks like this bless our communities; before long you will have an evangelising experience. Every evangelising action must begin with prayer.

Bottom Line

Two young boys were spending the night at their grandparents the week before Christmas. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers when the youngest one began praying at the top of his lungs.

"I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE! AND AN XBOX 360! AND I PRAY FOR THE NEW IRON MAN COMIC BOOK!"

His older brother leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said, "Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn't deaf."

To which the little brother replied, "No, but Grandma is!"

=========================================