Quote: Celebrating 25 years of Evangelii Nuntiandi, December 8, 2000
These "signs of the times" should find us vigilant. Either tacitly or aloud (but always forcefully) we are being asked: Do you really believe what you are proclaiming? Do you live what you believe? Do you really preach what you live? The witness of life has become more than ever an essential condition for real effectiveness in preaching. Precisely because of this we are, to a certain extent, responsible for the progress of the Gospel that we proclaim.

Quote: Go and Make Disciples, A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization
Clearly, unless we continue to be evangelized ourselves, with renewed enthusiasm for our faith and our Church, we cannot evangelize others.

Quote: Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, A Pastoral Plan For Adult Faith Formation
Mature faith is open to the action and power of God's Spirit and cannot remain idle or unproductive. Where the Spirit is active, faith is fruitful.


ENCUENTRO 2000 + The Church is on a Mission by Bishop Wilton Gregory
"As the disciples of the Lord, we live in the world as the stewards of God's creation knowing that the entire universe is destined to be transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When Jesus commissioned the Apostolic College to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations," He determined both the standard and the boundaries for the mission of the Church. We are never to overlook nor neglect any culture, any person, or any moment in our proclamation of truth of the Gospel. The Church's mission is to transform individuals and societies through the Light of the Gospel.Christ's message of salvation is intended for all people and for every age and culture. Those of us who are His disciples living at this moment in human history are obliged to bring the joy of His teaching to our own generation with all of its concerns. But our charge is more than merely to proclaim His teaching. We are to communicate His person – to make Him known. For it is the very person of Christ that is the unique source of redemption for all of creation. Christ is no mere great teacher, nor sublime philosopher, nor simply the proponent of a universally recognized and highly fashionable humanistic approach to morality. Christ is the very Redeemer of a world that would be hopelessly lost without Him." (This quotation is taken from a presentation give by NCCB vice president, Bishop Gregory at Encuentro in Los Angeles. For the complete text and other talks check out the website: www.nccbuscc.org/encuentro2000)


AMSTERDAM 2000
Bishop Warfel and Fr. Hurley represent NCCB as observers...Amsterdam 2000 was convened by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association during the first week of August in honor of the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ. Ten thousand two hundred Evangelicals from 209 nations and speaking 56 different languages gathered together at the RAI Center in the heart of Amsterdam. The 15 member Roman Catholic observer delegation was welcomed warmly by the BGEA along with an Orthodox observer delegation. Observers were told that there seemed to be a growing concern by the BGEA for the ongoing formation of evangelists as they move into the third world. Although Dr. Graham was not there himself (due to surgery) he was certainly there in spirit. He challenged those present in a message read by his son, Franklin Graham, "Let us go back and search the Word of God to discover the principles each of us must follow in order to be used for God in our generation." He invited all to "affirm our commitment to the truth of the Gospel...to reaffirm the priority of evangelism, to reaffirm our dependence on prayer and on the power of the Holy Spirit, and to affirm our determination to utilize every tool God gives us to proclaim the Gospel."

Powerful presentations focused on these themes and the observer delegations stood in awe at the enthusiasm and great diversity of cultures. Dr. Ravi Zacharias spoke of Evangelism and the New Millennium: Barriers of the Mind and Hungers of the Heart. He challenged everyone to read the signs of the times and not to abandon the truths of our faith in Christ Jesus. His overall focus, in Roman Catholic language, is a call to the New Evangelization.

Bishop Warfel, Chairman of the Bishops' Committee on Evangelization and Fr. Hurley, Director of the NCCB Office for Evangelization were joined by 13 other Roman Catholic observers from Baltimore, Montreal, Paris, Utrecht and Rome. The Holy See was also part of this delegation and represented the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Council for the Laity. If you are interested in the major presentations, check out the Amsterdam 2000 website: <www.amsterdam2000.org>


10,000 to 1 in Amsterdam by Bishop Michael W. Warfel, Chairman of the BCEV
What on earth was a Roman Catholic Bishop doing in the midst of over 10,200 Evangelical Christians? It was a question I asked myself more than once the first week of August as Fr. John Hurley and I attended Amsterdam 2000, a event sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association. In addition to a small contingent of Roman Catholic "observers" there was also a small contingent of Orthodox Christians. Our informal discussions provided time and opportunity to share our impressions of this gathering as well as note concerns.

I must say, the week gave me new insight and understanding into the evangelical churches. The zeal of the participants was quite genuine and their spiritual energy contagious. While many did not appreciate the same need for sacramental celebration as the attending Catholics and Orthodox (concentrating mostly on the biblical text and their experience of the Spirit in their lives) they did manifest an exceptional commitment to their Christian faith and a desire to share it with the world. Christ was their reason for being. He was their life. As I shared with one evangelical, "I wish I could get more Catholics to have such enthusiasm for their faith in Christ!" While we remember that the fullness of grace and truth has been entrusted to the Catholic Church, Catholics nonetheless, can learn much from our evangelical brothers and sisters, especially their zeal for proclaiming the Lord.


News from the Bishops' Committee on Evangelization

National Study and Report on the RCIA Complete!
The Bishops' Committee on Evangelization is happy to announce that Journey to the Fullness of Life, A Report on the National Study of the Implementation of the RCIA is at the printers. It will be available in early October. This comprehensive study began in April 1997. The report contains an introduction to the components of the study and the process that was undertaken. Dr. Dean Hoge (Life Cycle Institute at the Catholic University of America) and Rev. Dr. Robert J. O'Donnell, CSP (Paulist Institute for Religious Research) authored five executive summaries of the various components. In addition to the BCEV, this study was a collaborative effort of the bishops' committees on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Education, Liturgy, and Pastoral Practices. These committees wrote individual pastoral responses highlighting their respective issues to be considered as we further implement the RCIA in the United States. One thing is crystal clear in the report (94% of diocesan bishops reponded) the RCIA has the power to transform a parish when implemented as intended by the general instruction of the RCIA. The current BCEV wishes to express its thanks to the above mentioned offices for their collaboration on this exciting project. Bishop Warfel also thanks Archbishop Michael Sheehan and the BCEV, it was under his chairmanship that this study was begun in 1997.

Over 70 registered for the Diocesan Evangelization Coordinators' Retreat 2000
Fr. Hurley reports that Retreat 2000 for diocesan evangelization coordinators has over 70 registered and several others interested. Final preparations are underway for this jubilee year event for the BCEV. Retreat 2000 will take place in the Diocese of Saint Augustine's Marywood Center in Jacksonville, Florida.

United States Commission on Catholic Evangelization Approaches Inauguration
The BCEV is reviewing the third draft of "operating procedures" for the USCCE. In its inaugural phase, it is proposed that there be three standing committees. The three standing committees proposed in the initial phase are: Evangelization Committee, Multicultural Committee and National Catholic Organizations' Committee. The BCEV received very positive responses from a sample of diocesan evangelization directors, Catholic organizations, and USCCB offices. A final draft will be sent out to the BCEV for its consideration at its November 2000.

Intern begins at the Office for Evangelization Mr. Stevan Ciric, CSP, a third-year theology student at the Washington Theological Union began his internship at the BCEV. Stevan is originally from Toronto, Ontario and recently returned from his intern year at the Paulist parish of St. Patrick's in Memphis, TN. Stevan is not new to the work of the BCEV. He worked with Fr. Hurley in 1998 on the task force which guided the development of A Time to Listen...A Time to Heal, A Resource Director for Reaching Out to Inactive Catholics. Both Fr. Hurley and Iris Brown welcomed Stevan to the conference during the last week of August. Diocesan Evangelization Coordinators attending Retreat 2000 will have a chance to meet and welcome Stevan this coming November in Jacksonville.


News from the Bishops' Conference

World Youth Day 2000
The coverage for World Youth Day in Rome was amazing. To be in Rome was like a dream that connected the present with the past. To interact with hundreds of thousands of young Catholics from all over the world was wonderfully overwhelming. To be a pilgrim in Rome in the year 2000 to encounter Christ with Pope John Paul II was a true journey of faith. To put these three things together is an experience very hard to express. The closest you can get to naming such an experience is to say, World Youth Day 2000!!!

Early the final morning, which for some was before sunrise, young pilgrims awoke to greet the day and to prepare themselves for the closing Eucharist with the Holy Father. He arrived to the cheers of pilgrims (who had camped at Tor Vergata during the night) as well as others
(including local residents) who arrived solely for the closing Mass

Amazingly, the crowds hushed as the Holy Father addressed them for the first time that day. He invited all to "draw near to the Risen Lord, so that as his close friends, we may hear His words of life and share the bread of salvation which he breaks for us."

The Liturgy of the Eucharist continued as the gifts were brought forward and the celebration continued. Communion distribution points were scattered all throughout the field as young pilgrims came forward to be renewed and readied to continue their mission as saints for the new millennium!

As the celebration came to a close, pilgrims began the process of packing up and preparing for the journey home. Pilgrims were expected to leave Tor Vergata by the same route that they used to arrived. The exodus was tremendous! Although many pilgrims from Europe will leave Rome today, most USA pilgrims will begin their departure on Monday. Pilgrimages are meant not as vacations, but opportunities for renewal and conversion. The transformation of many pilgrims has been apparent. Our nation now readies itself to welcome them as they bring blessings home.

May the young Church continue to enliven our faith community as we venture into the New Millennium.

(This reflection was taken from the journals of World Youth Day posted on the NCCB website. Check out the pictures and reports on <www.nccbuscc.org/laity/youth>

Jubilee 2000 Resource Guide for September to January

The Secretariat for the Third Millennium & Jubilee Year 2000 recently published a resource guide for Fall'2000. For more information on this and other resources check out their website: <www.nccbuscc.org/jubilee>.

Jubilee Day for Lay Ministers + November 26, 2000
Lay ecclesial ministry will be highlighted in the Church on November 26th. It marks an occasion to honor the lay men and women, paid and volunteer, who make a major commitment of time and effort to the evangelizing mission of the Church. This jubilee day comes at a time of incredible growth in the Church. This growth was sparked by the Second Vatican Council. Now, 35 years later the Council's influence is seen dramatically in the country's more than 19,000 parishes where lay leadership has taken root. For resource materials check out the lay ministry website <www.nccbuscc.org/laity/laymin> or for more information contact Sr. Amy Hoey, RSM <ahoey@nccbuscc.org>.

Jubilee Day for Persons with Disabilities + December 3, 2000
The NCCB and the National Office for Persons with Disabilities produced an excellent resource packet for this jubilee day. In addition to providing resources, this packet provides a good checklist for evaluating parish efforts in disability ministry. For consultation and assistance contact: National Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities, 202-529-2933, e-mail: <ncpd@ncpd.org and check out their website: <www.ncpd.org>


Evangelization News From Around the United States

Disciples in Mission Gathering Celebrates Another Year! Fifty-four representatives from six archdioceses and twenty-five dioceses came together with the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association (PNCEA) in Washington, DC, for the Fifth Annual Coordinator Gathering on the weekend of August 25-27, 2000. Each of these dioceses represents a five-year commitment to form and equip laity to implement Go and Make Disciples in their parishes. This year's gathering was the first one to have every year of the five-year Disciples in Mission partnership in evangelization represented. Through prayer, presentations and networking with one another, the participants gained valuable insights and help for advancing the evangelizing mission in their local churches through Disciples in Mission. Reflections at this year's gathering focused on Jesus Christ as the center of all evangelizing activities. For more information on Disciples in Mission check out their website: < www.disciplesinmission.org> or send an e-mail request to pncea@pncea.org.

NCCE Moves to Washington, DC This past August, Sr. Priscilla Lemire, RJM, new Executive Director opened the new office for the National Council for Catholic Evangelization.

Diocese of Arlington, VA The newly formed Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Arlington formed as one of its first commissions, Evangelization. Bishop Paul Loverde, the new bishop of Arlington, is not new in his support of evangelization. As Bishop of Ogdensburg, NY he was one of the first bishops to welcome Disciples in Mission into his diocese. Fr. Stewart Culkin, pastor in a large suburban parish in Vienna, VA, is the new chair for this commission. Fr. Culkin recently visited the NCCB at the invitation of Fr. Hurley.

Archdiocese of San Antonio, TX Congratulations to the staff of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Center for its well attended 8th annual conference! Fr. Hurley was one of the Saturday keynoters and spoke on Nurturing Discipleship. He was joined by Carole Eipers from the Archdiocese of Chicago who spoke of a Year of Favor: Moment of Truth and Bishop Ricardo Ramirez who reminded all of us that We are the First Generation of the New Millennium. Despite the August heat, the archdiocese welcomed approximately 1200 participants as they celebrated their ministry of catechesis.

World PrayerNet in Baltimore has great results. While at the Bishops' Conference for a meeting, Cardinal Keeler of Baltimore shared with Fr. Hurley the preliminary pilot campaign report for World PrayerNet. The mission of PrayerNet is to promote the practice of giving undivided time to God each day in prayer as a means toward living life in Christ Jesus by the empowering grace of the Holy Spirit. The goal of PrayerNet is to advance the living, personal encounter with Christ Jesus among believers, drawing them to be "of one heart" with God and with each other; and making them a more perfect expression of faith, hope and love to the world. PrayerNet takes the form of a campaign undertaken ecumenically through parishes and congregations to their members. The PrayerNet report the Cardinal shared with Fr. Hurley is exciting with more people sharing their faith with one another and in prayer. For more information check out their website: <worldprayernet.org>

Diocese of Saint Augustine, FL Congratulations to Sister Lucy Clynes, DW and staff of the Diocesan Christian Formation Office which sponsored a full-day workshop on Evangelization and the RCIA! Fr. John Hurley delivered the keynote of the day and presented two workshops. The energy and dedication of representatives from a cross-section of the diocese was contagious. Bishop John Snyder also invited Fr. Hurley to conduct a clergy formation day for the priests and deacons which was well attended. The faith brought to its shores is well nurtured and Diocesan Evangelization Coordinators will be gathering this coming November, during their retreat, at the sight where the first Mass was celebrated on the continent in 1565.


Evangelization Resources

Evangelization Teams in the Making, A Catholic Parish Manual is now available. This resource is authored by Sr. Priscilla Lemire, RJM and Dorothy Hulburt. Sr. Priscilla is the former president of the National Council for Catholic Evangelization and currently serves as NCCE's Executive Director. Dorothy is director of adult and family ministries at St. Therese Parish in San Diego, CA. For more information contact: NCCE at 800-786-NCCE or check out their website: <www.catholicevangelization.org>

Fall 2000 Quest A Reflection Booklet for Small Christian Communities is now available. As mentioned in previous issues of ExPRESS, Quest is an excellent resource for small community sessions. In addition to preparations for each session, there is a time for gathering and opening prayer, Scripture sharing and reflections, faith sharing and integration, responses in action and sending forth sections. These key components provide an wonderful resource to bring alive the word of God in our midst. For more information, contact the Pastoral Department for Small Christian Communities in the Archdiocese of Hartford at 860-243-9642. Don't forget to ask for the catalogue of resources for small Christian communities.

Check out the Diocesan Evangelization Coordinators list on the web. Iris Brown, BCEV Administrative Secretary is working hard to keep this valuable resource updated

All upcoming events received are posted on the office website: <www.nccbuscc.org/evangelization>


Schedule for NCCB Director of Evangelization

Email us at evangelization@usccb.org
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