 Sr Michael writes:
The Evangelisers’ Charter
I always think we should make more of the daily readings after Easter – especially the readings from the Acts of the Apostles. Here we see the almost miraculous growth and spread of the church from such an unpromising start. Surely the Acts could be the Evangelisers’ Charter. What strikes me most (apart from the change in the Apostles from cowering, timid men to fearless and courageous witnesses to Jesus’ death and resurrection) is the action of the Holy Spirit. Truly, evangelisation is the work of the Holy Spirit and in this lead-up to Pentecost let us all pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit’s gifts which would enable us too to be witnesses and courageous upholders of what we believe.
End of Purple Ribbon Campaign
Looking back to Holy Week, we brought the Purple Ribbon Campaign to an end on Good Friday by placing our ribbons at the foot of the Cross. One parish I know preferred to place their ribbons in the tomb of their Easter Garden – I hope not burying their evangelising efforts!
Welcome back Campaign
For the last few weeks we have been busy with the Welcome Back Campaign which peaks with Pentecost Sunday. By now, every parish will have received a Parish Pack with a Poster, bidding prayers, bulletin inserts, homily hints and up to 50 Invitation Cards. These cards are crucial in helping parishioners to approach someone distanced from the church and offering a way back. In addition, a Preparation Day was held in St Joseph’s Gateshead to help parishes with their campaigns. Finally, watch out for the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter on Welcome Back on the weekend of May 5/6th and be encouraged by it. Then, if and when someone does return to church make sure we have befrienders and welcomers to help them over the threshold.
Celebration of Faith and Distribution of Faith Cards
This took place on Sunday 29th April – a truly joyful occasion.
What will we do with our Faith Cards? Be bold, be creative, be generous.
Let me know how you intend to use them.
Visit of Fr Robert Barron
Those of us who heard this gifted communicator from the US received a new rush of adrenalin at the possibilities opening up to evangelise our culture. His TV series on Catholicism has taken America by storm and may be taken up by the BBC. If so, it is a remarkable tool for evangelisation and should be very useful for RCIA and adult formation.
More of this in the future.
Sr Michael, Diocesan Evangelisation Team Coordinator
marymichael.lee7@googlemail.com |
