St. Anthony Parish at 485 Grand Avenue, Taylor Mill, KY 41015-1919 US - 12 Practical Steps for Practicing Evangelization and Stewardship
12 Practical Steps for Practicing Evangelization and Stewardship
by Dr. Susan W. Blum
President of Isaiah Ministries and Jeremiah Press, Vice-President National Council for Catholic Evangelization
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How can we, as Catholic evangelizers, share our faith and invite people to deeper conversion - without being fanatical? How can we attract non-believers or inactive believers in a normal, natural way? The following are some practical and helpful hints.
- Help people. Take that cake to a new neighbor; offer to care for an Alzheimer's patient you know.
- Talk about your faith with your friends, neighbors, and family members; share what the Lord is doing in your life.
- Discuss headlines and new stories in the light of faith. Mention that you are praying for the child who was abducted, or for the government leaders, or whatever.
- Invite others to adult education and support groups or social functions at your church.
- Cultivate an "attitude of gratitude". What is the Good News in your life?
- Smile a lot! Be cheerful, positive, and enthusiastic about your life. This reflects your faith. Nothing turns others off as much as the glum "frozen chosen" among us.
- Treat others honestly and sincerely.
- Know your faith. You do not need to be a theologian or a Scripture scholar, but you should be able to explain the reason, the foundation, or your faith. Confirm your belief, based on your previous experience, that everything always has a purpose and works out for the best.
- Express sincere interest in and concern for others. Share their joy and share their burdens.
- Seize the moment! Take every opportunity to share the goodness of God in whatever situation you find yourself. Celebrations and tragedies alike provide opportunites.
- Recommend or give inspirational books or musical cassettes or CDs as gifts. Send greeting cards with Scriptural messages.
- Involve others in your faith community. Let people know the church needs them.
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