From Scripture:
Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the end of the world (Matt. 28:18-20).

Question: According to Matthew, these are the final words of Jesus on earth, his Apastoral plan addressed to the entire Church. Dream together about what could happen if we were to take these words seriously.

From the U.S. Bishops:
What IS evangelization? A paraphrased description: the ongoing endeavor to grow in our own faith and commitment to Jesus Christ; to share our faith in Christ with others and invite them into our faith community (parish); and to work with all people of good will to transform society with the values of Christ (Fr. Martin Pable, OFM Cap., Evangelization: An Integrating Vision).

This is roughly the same as the three goals for evangelization proposed by the U.S. Bishops in their National Pastoral Plan (1992). Note the three groups to be evangelized: active Catholics; inactive Catholics and the unchurched; the wider society.

Question: Is the very word evangelization a turn-off for most Catholics? If so, what will help toward clearer understanding?

Evangelization, then, has both an inward and an outward direction. Inwardly, it calls for our continued receiving of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our ongoing conversion both individually and as Church. It nurtures us, makes us grow, and renews us in holiness as God's people. Outwardly, evangelization addresses those who have not heard the Gospel or, having heard it, have stopped practicing their faith (inactive Catholics); and those who seek the fullness of faith (people of other faiths and unchurched people) (U.S. Bishops, Go And Make Disciples GMD, p. 3).

Question: It has been said that we Catholics are pretty strong on inward evangelization, but very weak in outward. What do you think of this--and why?

From Pope Paul VI:
We wish to confirm once more that the task of evangelizing all people constitutes the essential mission of the Church.... Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity (Pope Paul VI, On Evangelization in the Modern World [Dec. 8, 1975], n. 14. From now on, this document will be noted as EN, from its Latin title).

Question: Have you ever thought of evangelization as Athe essential mission of the Church..." her deepest identity? Think about how our parishes might look if we took that seriously.

The Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by being evangelized herself.... (The Church) is the People of God immersed in the world, and often tempted by idols, and she always needs to hear the proclamation of "the mighty works of God" which converted her to the Lord; she always needs to be called together afresh by him and reunited (EN, n. 15).

Question: In what ways are you and your parish community being evangelized?

The person who has been evangelized goes on to evangelize others. Here lies the test of truth, the touchstone of evangelization: it is unthinkable that a person should accept the Word and commit to the Kingdom without becoming one who bears witness to it and proclaims it in turn (EN, n.24) Question: If it is unthinkable that Christians do not evangelize, why do you think this was not taught or emphasized in our catechesis and faith formation? For resources on evangelization, call Barbara Krieser, 769-3443, 800-769-9373, ext. 443. E-mail at krieserb@archmil.org

Helpful Resources for Adult Confirmation
Those working with adults preparing for confirmation can down load a set of archdiocesan guidelines from the following archdiocesan web site address http://www.archmil.org/resources/userfiles/Adultconf.pdf Hard copy is available from Prayer and Worship at 414-769-3349, 800-769-9373 x349 or e-mail oremus@archmil.org.