It's an Exciting Time to be an Evangelist

It's an exciting time to be an evangelist, convocation delegates told: ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) -- There's a convention of Catholic leaders in Orlando, Florida.

This summer, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will be convening an unprecedented gathering of key leaders from dioceses and Catholic organizations from all across the country in order to assess the challenges and opportunities of our time, particularly in the context of the Church in the United States. This has been an ongoing initiative of the Bishops' Working Group on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person. The gathering will assemble Catholic leaders for a strategic conversation, under the leadership of the bishops, on forming missionary disciples to animate the Church and to engage the culture

At first, the statistics depressed everybody.  Church membership is declining.  But Bishop Robert Barron changed the tune.  He told the audience that it's an exciting time to be an evangelist.  It's an opportunity.  The people are really ignorant of the beauty, never mind the Truth, of the Catholic Church.  It's time to engage -- evangelize.

Following Bishop Barron, was Patrick Lencioni, an author and management consultant.  He said to follow a business model.  I immediately thought of my real estate broker training.  Some things I could use to evangelize.  I remember I was told to be a joiner.  I was to belong to a lot of clubs to network.  That would work and does.  I've brought people to prayer group from my cribbage group.  Of course, they were going to church anyway, but it shows how networking works.  There was also what we called "farming."  Actually, that's what the Jehovah Witness do, and the Mormons.  I used to go door to door and just ask if people were interested in selling their house.  When they said "no," I handed them a business card for when they were ready to sell.  And I kept in touch with them.  That method of "farming" never worked.  But I remember we were told that we'd get 100 "no's" before we got a "yes."  That goes to show you that you shouldn't get discouraged, just keep at it.  Persistence and perseverance were the keys to success in salesmanship and I can see where that would hold true in evangelisation.

Evangelization Opportunities Come Knocking

Boston churches become hotspots for Pokémon: BRAINTREE -- In the days following its first debut in New Zealand and Australia on July 5, and then its release in the United States the following day, the mobile game Pokémon GO has become a cultural phenomenon.  Young people (mostly) are playing and looking for the little creatures here and there. Think of it as a virtual scavenger hunt.

Instead of freaking out because ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE ON OUR PROPERTIES (HORROR), use the opportunity to talk to them.  Be friendly and welcoming.  Take an interest in what they're doing.  Invite them in for refreshments and tell them of your parish's activities that they might be interested in.  Give them your parish's facebook page to stay abreast of activities that will interest them.

Good grief!  Does the Holy Spirit have to knock you off your donkey!  Pokemon Go may be a godsend.

Churches In Pokemon Go Craze

A priest at a nearby shrine was complaining about the people playing Pokemon Go, on the property.  He was concerned about the damage done to the grounds.  I hope he changes his attitude and uses this opportunity to evangelize.



If the priests came out of their house, dressed as priests and walked the grounds of the shrine to engage the Pokemon Go players in conversation, maybe they'd make some friends.  And who knows where friendship will lead?



Churches among those swept up in Pokemon Go craze: ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- Since its release in the United States July 6, Pokemon Go has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. In the first week, the mobile game attracted nearly 21 million users.

What is the Meaning of Life?

Tom Lyman was on Boston Catholic TV, this morning.  He was talking about the New Evangelization.  Tom stressed the need to be ready to share our faith, when the opportunity presents itself.  He gave as an example an encounter with a customer in the checkout line.  He was a stranger but while waiting, the two of them shared a sigh of resignation.  (It looked like a long wait.)  The man said to Tom, "What is the meaning of life?"

Tom said he used the opportunity to share the kerygma.  I understand that Tom shared the Gospel message.  But he didn't say exactly what he told the man.

So all day, I've pondered that question (just in case I'm ever asked, "What is the meaning of life?").

The first thing I'd do is affirm the question and questioner.  This question has been asked by everybody, throughout history, at some point in their lives.  Next, I'd tell him about my experiences volunteering in prison.  Now, if anybody had a good reason to ask, "What is the meaning of life?", it would be someone serving a life sentence behind bars.  Yet, the population I deal with, see a meaning to life.

Some of them have had money, beautiful families, beautiful homes, flashy cars, big boats, great jobs, professions, and even owned businesses.  All of it is gone.  Hence, they have experienced that these things weren't enough.  You would think that having a purpose in life, would give it meaning.  It didn't satisfy.  You always want more.  The more money you have, the more you spend.

What they have found is religion.  Don't scoff.  It's the one thing that has given meaning to their lives.  It teaches that you have a purpose.  Religion offers community and that means support.  Religion teaches you to love and serve others.  You love God and He wants you to love and serve others.

In fact, religion may be a factor, in not only happiness and well-being, but health also.  Is that meaningful enough for you?  There are three locations where people live the longest: Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, and Loma Linda, California.  What do they all have in common?  They have religion, yes, but each place has a different religion.  But each religion stresses community--love one another, love God, serve each other.

Okinawa is an island.  Most of the residents are Buddhists.  However, the residents all practice a custom called moais - love one another and serve each other.  Sounds like the Christian Golden Rule doesn't it?  Sardinians are Catholic and love God and He wants us to serve one another.  The people in Loma Linda are Seventh-Day Adventist and practice the Golden Rule.

Hence, I assert that the meaning of life is to find God.  Religion is the path to Him.  And if you don't believe me, I know as a fact, someday you will.  Try religion, what have you got to lose?

The Kingdom is Here

Last Saturday, everybody that could, friends, church members, and members of the Bethany ministry, met at the home, of our friend, Shirley Cyr.  Shirley is dying from cancer.  Please pray for her entry into eternal life.

We all gathered in front of Shirley's home and did a Nochecita.  Shirley's friends from her parish, Bethany ministry, and prison ministry, all gathered and sang songs.  Shirley came out and greeted us, and then we all lined up to give her a final kiss and hug.

This is God's kingdom.  What an example!  We are one together praising God for Shirley's life.

About an hour ago, I got an email that Shirley has taken a turn for the worse.  Everyone will be praying for her.  May the angels take her home.

God's speed, Shirley.  De Colores.

How to Evangelize