Rev. John E. Hurley, CSP, D.Min.Executive Director

Department of EvangelizationArchdiocese of Baltimore

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Pope Paul VI

Congregation for the Propagation of the faith (1967) to Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples

Synod on Evangelization (1974)

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We wish to confirm once more that the task of evangelizing all people constitutes the essential mission of the Church.

It is a task and mission which the vast and profound changes of present-day society make all the more urgent.

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In our day, what has happened to that hidden energy of the Good News, which is able to have a powerful effect on one’s conscience?

To what extent and in what way is that evangelical force capable of really transforming the people of this century?

What methods should be followed in order that the power of the Gospel may have its effect?

We wish to remind the entire Church that its first duty is that of Evangelization…

If all the sons and daughters of the Church would know how to be tireless missionaries of the Gospel, a new flowering of holiness and renewal would spring up.

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One who follows the work of evangelization is not above all a professor.

He is a messenger. He acts like one to whom a great mystery has been entrusted and at the same time like one who has personally discovered the greatest treasure, like that hidden in the parable of Matthew.

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This exhortation forms a cohesive unity with Evangelii Nuntiandi

Fully locates Catechesis within the context of evangelization.

(GDC, 5)

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Catechesis is a work of evangelization in the context of the mission of the Church.

Henceforth, Catechesis would be considered as one of the enduring concerns of the Church’s missionary mandate for our times.

(GDC, 4)

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An encounter with the Lord brings about a profound

transformation in all who do not close themselves

off from him.

(EIA, 68)

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The new and unique situation in which the world and the church find themselves at the threshold of the third millennium, and

The urgent needs which result, mean that the mission of evangelization today calls for a new program which can be defined overall as a NEW EVANGELIZATION (EIA, 66)

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We wish to confirm once more that the task of evangelizing all people constitutes the essential mission of the church.

It is a task and mission which the vast and profound changes of present-day society make all the more urgent.

(EN, 14)

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Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the church, her deepest identity.

She exists to evangelize…She exists to evangelize…

(EN, 14)

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…that is to say in order

to preach to teach to be the channel of the gift of grace to reconcile sinners with God

(EN,14)

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As a church

As a parish

As a school

As agencies

As an individual

As a family

As a vocation

As a witness

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Pope Paul VI

Evangelii Nuntiandi

“On Evangelization in the Modern World”

1975

US Bishops

Go and Make Disciples

A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the

United States1992

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Bringing the Good News of Jesus into every human situation and seeking to convert individual and society by the divine power of the Gospel itself. Its essence is the proclamation of salvation in Jesus Christ and the response of a person in faith, both being the work of the Spirit of God.

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Three Goals...

1. Enthusiasm

2. Invitation

3. Witness

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To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith,

that in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.

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To invite all people in the United States, whatever their social or cultural background,

To hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so that they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith.

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To foster gospel values in our society,

Promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our society so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.

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