Welcome Message

Dear Directors of Evangelization and/or Discipleship Formation,

Thank you for saying “Yes” to subscribing to our quarterly newsletter, “Kerygma and Culture.” On behalf of the new team in the Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis, I write to introduce the “What,” “How,” and “Why” of this simple initiative:

WHAT: Sharing quarterly inspirations, updates, best practices, and resources. We will be looking for input from diocesan directors of evangelization and discipleship formation regarding how to help others enter into a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, as well as how to accompany others on the adventure of missionary discipleship.

HOW: By connecting with mission-driven leaders in the Church—and building networks among them. The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of evangelization and this Spirit of Truth wants to guide us to truth in communion with one another.

WHY: To transform the cultures of our neighborhoods and workplaces with the basic proclamation of the Good News. At the service of the bishops and their diocesan offices, the mandate of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis includes the following area of responsibility: “Evangelization of all persons including outreach to the unchurched and to inactive Catholics.” We hope that this newsletter will encourage and facilitate greater communication between Diocesan Directors across the county and support your efforts of evangelization.

In Evangelii Gaudium (no. 160), Holy Father Francis explores the connection between evangelization and a deeper understanding of the kerygma:

"The Lord’s missionary mandate includes a call to growth in faith: ‘Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you’ (Mt 28:20). Hence it is clear that that the first proclamation also calls for ongoing formation and maturation. Evangelization aims at a process of growth which entails taking seriously each person and God’s plan for his or her life. All of us need to grow in Christ. Evangelization should stimulate a desire for this growth, so that each of us can say wholeheartedly: ‘It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me’ (Gal 2:20)."

Finally, if any of your colleagues might be interested in receiving this quarterly newsletter, invite them to send us their contact information. Please keep us in your prayers—along with the bishops serving the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis—as we will be keeping you in ours!

Grace and Peace,

David D. Spesia
Executive Director

 

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