The Secretariat for Evangelization supports the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and its initiatives. The Committee seeks effective and creative ways to challenge all Catholics to evangelize. It promotes through faithful discipleship the gospel values in our society and calls all Catholics to be ministers of welcome, reconciliation and understanding.

Contact: (202-541-3000). www.usccb.org/evangelization/

The following resources are available from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops ( www.usccb.org)

• A Time to Listen … A Time to Heal: A Resource Directory for Reaching Out to Inactive Catholics 1991.
• Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium Reflections of the U.S. Catholic Bishops on the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Decree on the apostolate of the Laity and the Fifteenth Anniversary of Called and Gifted (1995)
• Catholic Evangelization in an Ecumenical and Interreligious Society (2004)
• Celebrating "To the Ends of the Earth" An Anniversary Statement on World Mission. 1996. Publication #5-038.
• Cooperatio Missionalis (Instruction on Missionary Cooperation 1999.
• Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord 2005. This offers pastoral and theological reflections on the reality of lay ecclesial ministry, affirmation of those who serve in this way and a synthesis of best thinking and practice.
• Evangelii Nuntiandi (On Evangelization in the Modern World ) 1975.
• Heritage and Hope/Evangelization in the United States. 1990. Publication #386-8. This celebration of the Fifth Centenary of Evangelization in the Americas focuses on the legacy of Catholics and our identity as an evangelized and evangelizing Church.
• Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States. (1992)
• Greater Collaboration Between Hispanic American Catholics and African American Catholics. Washington, DC: USCC, Publications No. 5-025, 1997. (Bilingual Edition)
• Here I Am, Send Me 1989. A Conference Response to the evangelization of African Americans and the national Black Catholic pastoral plan.
• Many Faces in God’s House: A Catholic Vision for the Third Millennium 1999. This parish guide is rooted in the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry and its call for a more welcoming, evangelizing and missionary Church.

• National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry 1987.
• The Hispanic Presence in the New Evangelization in the United States. 1996 #460-0

• Stewardship: A Disciples Response 2002.

• The Living Light . (Special Issue on Evangelization in the U.S. Catholic Church.)
• The Parish: A People, A Mission, A Structure 1980.

• Thy Kingdom Come: A Manual for Evangelization Staff 1999.

Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association (PNCEA), 3031 Fourth St. NE, Washington , DC 20017-1102 . Phone: 202-832-5022. A national office that reviews programs, books and other resources helpful in Catholic evangelization. Publishes a bimonthly Newsletter: Evangelization update .
www.pncea.org

RENEW International
908-769-5400 www.renewintl.org.
RENEW International, a Roman Catholic organization, fosters spiritual renewal, evangelization and the transformation of the world through parish-based small Christian communities.

Evangelization Resources

 

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH , Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Washington, D.C., United States Catholic Conference, Liguori Publications

CREATING THE EVANGELIZING PARISH (1993) Frank DeSiano, CSP and Kenneth Boyack, CSP, Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ Key reading for church leaders who want to take charge of their parishes’ direction, establish evangelization teams and implement effective parish strategies for renewal. Contact: Paulist Press www.paulistpress.com  

CATHOLICS CAN COME HOME AGAIN – A Guide for the Journey of Reconciliation with Inactive Catholics , (2001), Carrie Kemp, Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ Explores the Church’s life-giving message of reconciliation. This book contains valuable insight for both active Catholics and those seeking to return.  

COULD YOU EVER COME BACK TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH? (1997) Society of St. Paul; Lorene Hanley Duquin  

DISCOVERING MY EXPERIENCE OF GOD – Awareness & Witness (1992) Frank DeSiano, CSP & Kenneth Boyack, CSP, Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ Designed to help Catholics know and affirm their personal stories of faith. Allows readers to do a simple and thoughtful set of exercises by which they can discover the signs and patterns of God’s presence in their lives.

THE EVANGELIZING CATHOLIC – A Practical Handbook for Reaching Out (1998), Frank P. DeSiano, C.S.P., Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ A “how-to” book on individual and parish evangelization which helps the average Catholic and average parish discover opportunities and practical strategies for “reaching out” in faith.  

EVANGELIZATION TEAMS IN THE MAKING – A CATHOLIC PARISH MANUAL (2000), Dorothy Hulburt and Sr. Priscilla Lemire, RJM; Jeremiah Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL.

EVANGELIZING AMERICA 2004. Thomas P. Rausch, S.J., Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ Proves the interdependence of culture and faith, surveys different approaches to evangelization among Catholics and looks at what evangelization means in a parish context.  

THE EVANGELIZING PARISH – Theologies and Strategies for Renewal (1987) Rev. Patrick Brennan, Tabor Publishing, Allen, TX Practical and informative guide for those who wish to take a leadership role in parish renewal.

EXCELLENT CATHOLIC PARISHES – The Guide to Best Places and Practices (2001) Paul Wilkes, Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ A guide to best places and practices for those interested in making their own parish a better place to worship, a comfortable place to gather as a faith community and a creative place to put their faith into action.

FROM MAINTENANCE TO MISSION (2005), Robert S. Rivers. CSP Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ Presents to us the ongoing challenge to become Catholic evangelizers and proposes concrete ways to move from maintenance- to mission-oriented parishes.

GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES – TEXT, STUDY GUIDE AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS (1993), Susan Blum Gerding. Available through PNCEA. www.pncea.org  

GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES – COMMENTARY AND PLANNING GUIDE (1993) Frank DeSiano, CSP and Kennety Boyack, CSP www.pncea.org

GREAT IDEAS FROM GREAT PARISHES – A Parish Handbookfrom

RENEW International (2003), Mary Ann Jeselson & Carole Garibaldi Rogers, The authors share more than forty practical ideas from parishes all over the country and offer guidelines for adapting them to any faith community. 888-433-3221

INVITING CATHOLICS HOME (2002),Sally L. Mews, Liguori Publications, Liguori, MO This book is about “Catholics Returning Home”, a six-week support program aimed at helping Catholics return to the Church. Suggestions for publicizing and implementing the program and recommendations for follow-up make this an effective evangelization tool. Contact: www.liguori.org  

LOSING YOUR RELIGION FINDING YOUR FAITH – Spirituality for Young Adults ,(1998), Brett C. Hoover, Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ The author describes the spiritual life as a “road of faith” toward discovering God and ourselves. The road is not always easy, with obstacles, detours and unexpected stops, but the journey is always rich and rewarding.

THE MARGINAL CATHOLIC – Challenge, Don’t Crush (1989) Ave Maria Press Joseph M. Champlin  

THE MINISTRY OF EVANGELIZATION (1988) Susan Blum, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN 56321 Conveys a sense of the excitement of the mission as well as practical, nitty-gritty details of it. Designed to encourage the ordinary layperson to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus. Offers down-to-earth assistance on the old/new ministry of evangelization Contact: The Liturgical Press www.catalog.litpress.org

PARISH MINISTRY FOR RETURNING CATHOLICS (1993) Patricia Barbernitz, Paulist Press Provides practical pastoral and catechetical information that will be most helpful to parish staffs as well as parish volunteers who desire to begin ministry to returning Catholics.   THE RECONCILING PARISH – A Process for Returning or Alienated Catholics Patrick J. Brennan, A Resource for Parish Staffs and Leaders; Tabor Publishing, 1990  

SOWING NEW SEED – Directions for Evangelization Today (1994) Frank DeSiano, CSP, Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ Explores how evangelization can enrich the areas of catechetic, liturgy, RCIA, the parish, ecumenical relations, apologetics and conversion. The book touches on both practical and theoretical questions, outlines possibilities and show the power that exists when concerns for evangelization enter our pastoral outlook.  

WHILE YOU WERE GONE – A Handbook for Returning Catholics (1995) William J. Bausch, Twenty-Third Publications Identifies the key questions and concerns of Catholics returning to the church after an absence of some years. Contact: www.twentythirdpublications.com  

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY RESOURCE BOOKS  

THE CATHOLIC EXPERIENCE OF SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES , (2000), Bernard J. Lee, S.M.; Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ  

COMMUNION AND MISSION – A Guide for Bishops and Pastoral Leaders on Small Church Communities , 1996, USCCB

CONVERSATION, RISK & CONVERSION – The Inner & Public Life of Small Christian Communities (1997), Michael A. Cowan and Bernard J. Lee, SM; Orbis Books, Maryknoll, NY This resource addressed issues such as the mission of SCCs and conflict resolution within them. By reflecting on the internal and public dimensions, it offers a convincing social analysis of the Catholic church in the U.S. today.  

CREATING COMMUNITIES OF GOOD NEWS – A Handbook for Small Group Facilitators ( 1992), Mary LaCourse Mauren; Sheed & Ward, Kansas City, MO Offers creative ideas for facilitating openings, prayer, getting acquainted, meaningful breaks, evaluation processes, closures. Contains practical tools for building dynamic communities of faith and hope.  

CREATING SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES – Minimum Structure, Maximum Life (2003), Barbara A Darling with Jack Ventura, SM; Good Ground Press, St. Paul, MN A powerful experience to create community with those of diverse background. Provides practical step-by-step suggestions to help those who seek new forms of community.

CREATING SMALL FAITH COMMUNITIES – A Plan for Restructuring the Parish and Renewing Catholic Life (1993), Arthur R. Baranowski; St. Anthony Messenger Press, Cincinnati, OH Art Baranowski witnesses to a deliberate pastoral attempt to bring parishioners together into small groups. This book shares the vision which inspired his parish as well as the how to’s of what they did.  

FACILITATING FOR GROWTH – A Guide for Scripture Study Groups and Small Christian Communities (1993), Barbara J. Fleischer; The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN Practical guidelines to facilitators and other members of small groups for developing healthy group dynamics and clear communications.

GATHERED AND SENT – The Mission of Small Church Communities Today (2003), Bernard J. Lee and Michael A. Cowan; Paulist Press, Mahway, NJ  

GETTING A GRIP ON YOUR GROUP – A Guide for Discerning Priorities in Your Small Christian Community (2002), Barbara A. Darling; Good Ground Press, Cincinnati, OH Valuable resource for established faith-sharing groups by looking prayerfully at their reasons for being and ways to bond more deeply. It will assist in setting a course for ongoing transformation and greater commitment to evangelization.

SHARING THE TRADITION SHAPING THE FUTURE – A Faith Sharing Experience for Christian Communities , 2001, USCCB  

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES – A Pastoral Companion (1996), James O’Halloran, SDB; The Columba Press, Dublin, Ireland A pastoral resource for small communities, with diversity and flexibility affirmed throughout. Fr. O’Halloran offers practical advice and deals with the theory, practice and spirituality of small Christian communities.

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES – A Vision of Hope for the 21 st Century (1997), Thomas A Kleissler, Margo A. LeBert, Mary C. McGuinness; Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ Points to the dynamic possibilities of a parish that places pastoral importance on development of small Christian communities. It offers approaches to their development and suggested “how to” steps, explores role of pastor and parish staff in this endeavor and looks at small Christian communities in light of other aspects of parish life. www.renewintl.org 888-433-3221.  

Resources for Small Christian Communities

FAITH SHARING RESOURCES

PrayerTime Cycles a, b, and c. : Faith-Sharing Reflections on the Sunday Gospels, English and Spanish. This three volumes provide small communities the opportunity to reflect on each Sunday of the year with opening prayer, gospel passage, invitation to reflection, discussion questions, invitation to act and closing prayer. Contact: RENEW international www.parishlife.com 888-433-3221

AT HOME WITH THE WORD – Sunday Scriptures and Scripture Insights Useful for meditation on the Sunday scriptures by yourself or with others. Appropriate for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year, it provides the three scripture readings and psalm as well as insights into the readings and suggestions for reflection. Contact: Liturgy Training Publications www.ltp.org  

CONNECTIONS: A Spirituality of Life and Work: A Paulist Ministry A small group Paulist program designed to enhance the spirituality we live in the real world. The process is open to use by Catholics and other Christians who want to help each other become more conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Contact: 512-452-7566 www.landings-international.org

DISCIPLES IN PRAYER – A Resource for Faith Sharing A resource helpful for private prayer, small faith-sharing groups, for all those at various stages of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or for anyone who takes delight in understanding the Word at the center of Catholic faith and teaching. Contact: Oregon Catholic Press 503-281-1191 liturgy@ocp.org  

EMMAUS JOURNEY – A Catholic Bible Study from the Word Among Us Press This set of booklets incorporate reflection on Scripture passages around various important topics of personal spirituality and discipleship. Each discussion topic is presented and reinforced by references to valuable Catholic resources. Contact: info@emmausjourney.orgwww.emmausjourney.org

LITTLE ROCK SCRIPTURE STUDY Helps individuals and communities encounter God in the words of the Scriptures. Participants support and challenge one another by forming small faith communities to share their experiences and growing understanding. As people accept the challenge of the Scriptures, they reach out in service and parishes are renewed by the Word of God. Contact: www.littlerockscripture.org 1-800-858-5434

QUEST – A Reflection Booklet for Small Christian Communities A faith-sharing guide following the liturgical cycle. It includes commentaries, questions for reflection and faith sharing, suggestions for action, songs and opening and closing prayer/rituals. This is an excellent resource for groups that want to continue meeting throughout the year. Contact: The Pastoral Department for Small Christian Communities 860-243-9642 www.sccquest.org

RENEW INTERNATIONAL A Roman Catholic organization which fosters spiritual renewal, evangelization and the transformation of individuals, parishes and society through parish-based small Christian communities. There are over 30 faith sharing topics based on life issues, Catholic truths, lectionary readings, prayer, morality, social and sacramental. Many downloadable samples available. Contact: www.renewintl.org 888-433-3221

SHARING GOD’S WORD THROUGH THE YEAR – A Guide for Small Groups of Young Adults – Cycles A, B & C Sharing God’s Word Through the Year helps young adults reflect on the Scripture and relate them to daily life in a small faith sharing group. It uses the Gospel readings from each Sunday as a springboard for reflection. A short historical-cultural commentary helps young adults understand the context of the Sunday readings. Each Sunday includes a story written by a young adult on the meaning of the gospel theme. The questions for discussion and sharing along with the action suggestions are geared to the needs and issues of people in their twenties. The binder is fully reproducible and ready to use in a variety of settings. Contact: Center for Ministry Development 203-723-1622 www.cmdnet.org

Parish Evangelization Programs

BUILDING AN EVANGELIZING EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITY ( Christ Life program) A one-day seminar designed to mobilize the lay faithful for the primary mission of the Church; empower ordinary Catholics to share their faith; motivate the parish community to reach out to the lost; and identify practical tools for the work of evangelization. Contact: ChristLife 410-531-7701 www.christlife.org  

DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND – OFFICE OF EVANGELIZATION Contact: www.dioceseofcleveland.org/parishlife/evangelization

ENVISION (program) The Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association (PNCEA) provides a long-term parish pastoral planning process that is based on the three goals of "Go and Make Disciples." As pastors, parish leaders, and parishioners develop their future together, they also grow in deepening their commitment to the evangelizing mission of the Church. ENVISION is designed so that parishes may carry out the process on their own or make use of additional resources from PNCEA, including a three-day session for ENVISION Leadership Training. www.pncea.org  

ISAIAH MISSIONS A parish mission offered over four nights which are based on Scripture, Vatican II theology, papal and Episcopal documents, sound adult education principles and lived experience. Isaiah Missions involves the laity in collaborative ministry training, formation and adult religious education before, during and after the Mission. Contact: 1-888-ISAIAH 1 email: jeremiahpr@aol.com

SPREADING THE HOLY FIRE – The Archdiocesan Plan of Chicago (2002) Contact: Office for Evangelization www.goingforth.org Archdiocese of Chicago   Inactive Catholics Programs  

ALPHA FOR CATHOLICS ALPHA for Catholics is for people interested in investigating Christianity, newcomers in the Church, those who wish to brush up on their faith. Alpha can help people overcome any reluctance to share their faith journey with others. It helps people have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. ALPHA for Catholics refers to the promotion of the Alpha 10-week course for use within the Catholic Church. It is a basic introduction to Christianity and above all, brings us into contact, face to face with the Lord Jesus. Contact: Bill Drennan 610-409-2935 St. Eleanor Parish billdrennan@alphausa.org 4551 Rose Way Collegeville, PA 19426 www.alphausa.org  

CATHOLICS REACHING OUT Catholics Returning Home is a Paulist ministry which provides step by step tools for reaching out to inactive Catholics. The kit provides all that is needed to begin this ministry in the parish. Contact: www.pncea.org  

CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME Catholics Returning Home (CRH) is a parish based program designed to reach-out and invite non-practicing/inactive Catholics to return “Home to the Catholic Church” and resume active practice of their faith. The six-week series is repeated three times per year. The program is a proven, step-by-step method that is ready to use. Just follow the instructions in the “how to” book “Inviting Catholics Home” and insert the parish name and specific information into the support materials. Contact: Sally Mews 847-855-0629
e-mail: ssmews@msn.com    

COME HOME PROGRAM – A New York Franciscian Ministry The New York Franciscan Pastoral Plan was born long before ads were actually placed in New York and New Jersey newspapers. What does the pastoral plan offer to those who might come in dialogue? What does it mean for inactive Catholics to "Come Home," and what are they coming to do? This is not an easy dialogue, and it reaches an intense level of sharing that can become emotional and theological. Contact: Contact: Fr. Flavian Walsh, OFM Fr. Ronald Stark, OFM
Franciscan Friary Angels Parish Franciscan Friars
437 Main Street 135 West 31 st Street
Little Falls, NJ 07424 New York, NY 10001 973-256-5200 212-736-8500

INVITE Invite is a Paulist ministry which relies on a parish community that is committed to inviting those who are not active in any church or religious tradition to come to know Christ and the Catholic faith. Contact: www.pncea.org

LANDINGS A comprehensive Paulist approach to welcome returning Catholics. It is a proven process designed to welcome those who for whatever reason have become inactive in the exercise of their faith. This ten-week ministry of reconciliation evangelizes active Catholics who help welcome back inactive Catholics. Contact: Joan Horn, National Coordinator 512-452-7566 Landings International joanlandings@aol.com 3311 Big Bend, Austin, TX 78731 www.landings-international.org

TAKE ANOTHER LOOK A program of welcome for marginal, inactive and alienated Catholics. At its center, the experience of groups for alienated Catholics is an expanded celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation. The hope is that through this healing, re-initiation into the community of faith, worship, and service, the celebration of the sacrament will be possible. Contact : Karen Miller 510-846-4489
WE MISS YOU - An Outreach Program for Inactive Catholics, (1993, Archdiocese of Omaha), Gary Petri, Nancy Koley, Sr. Marian Klostermann, O.S.F., Sheed & Ward, Franklin, WI A complete outreach program to inactive Catholics, developed by the Omaha Archdiocesan Commission on Evangelization. Provides all the elements needed for designing and implementing a successful outreach to inactive Catholics – from team training to strategy planning, small group sessions to parish involvement, including referral networks. Contact: http://www.rowmanlittlefield.com/Sheed      

Parish Home Visitation Programs  

LAMP (Lay Apostolic Ministries with the Poor) MINISTRIES LAMP Ministries is a Catholic lay missionary association, comprised of people who serve among the materially poor, and focus on evangelization. People commit to being a minister for at least one year, or preferably two. Contact: 718-409-5062 e-mail: www.lampministries.org    

DOOR TO DOOR HOME VISITATION – Archdiocese of Philadelphia Moved by the words of Pope John Paul II regarding evangelization, this outreach gives people an avenue to practice their call to mission. It is open to families as well as youth. The outreach also demonstrates to children the need to act on their faith by being involved in community and giving back to God what He has blessed us with – our Catholic faith. Contact: 215-587-0504 cscharff@adphila.org Office for Formation of the Laity Archdiocese of Philadelphia