Door-door Catholic preaching

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LennyFL

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I have been doing some research on this and I was thinking about seeing if I can start something like this in my perish. In my research I have seen other Catholics doing a a door-door preaching work similar to that of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have some questions about this. In Matt. 28:19 the call to evangelization is obvious. Going about it in a door-door preaching fashion I am not so sure about because of we look at Luke 10:7 it says “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking the things that are with them. For the worker is worthy of his pay. Do not choose to pass from house to house.” Now one could argue that this is teaching agains the door-door method of preaching but it seems to me that it is saying not to look for hand outs door-door. What is the Church’s stance on a door-door preaching work. I still want to start some type of organized preaching work at my church and I am not totally convinced that door-door would be the right approach because people will confuse us with Jehovah’s witnesses. And most would say that Jehovah’s witnesses are quite a nuisance at 9:00am. If anyone has any thoughts on this it would be much appreciated.
 
The Hispanics in Atlanta already do this. They have people in adoration praying while others go door-to-door in an attempt to reach the lost. There was a Bishop in the 50’s, somewhere in California I think, who decided that the Church would knock on every door in the diocese.

Forget about Luke 10:7. The Church has gone door to door and has experience here. My advice would be not to reinvent the wheel but to look for people within your own diocese or parish who have already done this and learn from them.

-Tim-
 
My husband and I created an evangelical style flyer directed towards Catholics, got it approved by our priest and took it door-to-door. We just left it at people’s homes. No attempt was made at one-on-one conversation. Don’t know if this would be an idea, or if there is already material like this that could just be bough in bulk.
 
Regarding your interpretation of Luke 10:7

The “stay at the same house” bit refers to where the apostles are to find lodging, not their targets for evangelization. While the apostles lodged at the same place, they certainly didn’t just evangelize the people in that house and hope for the best, they evangelized the entire community.
 
Simca said:
My husband and I created an evangelical style flyer directed towards Catholics, got it approved by our priest and took it door-to-door. We just left it at people’s homes. No attempt was made at one-on-one conversation. Don’t know if this would be an idea, or if there is already material like this that could just be bough in bulk.
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Cool! What exactly did you put on the pamphlets? Was it strictly information, or did you list phone numbers or sites that they could look up to learn more?
 
I don’t like door-to-door preaching. There have been several people from other denominations to try to convert me at my door. I think it is rude. I’m perfectly fine with flyers inviting me to a church taped on my door. I don’t like strangers coming to my home trying to tell me how to live. I’m sure other Christians would feel the same way if Catholics came to their door.

I’m not trying to start an argument. Just giving you my opinion. 🙂
 
CruceSignati said:
Cool! What exactly did you put on the pamphlets? Was it strictly information, or did you list phone numbers or sites that they could look up to learn more?
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It was just a one page sheet, approved by our priest, and if you care to read it or use any part of it, here it is:

''THE WAY OF SALVATION

Beginning on the Way of Salvation is a life-style into which God calls every person to enter. The Holy Spirit says that God draws all people unto Himself.

God describes His people as being the bride of His Son, Jesus Christ, as though when we come to God, we enter into a marriage relationship with Him: personal, intimate, and life-ling.

Any marriage begins with a courtship: this is the period of time when God, through His Holy Spirit, draws each person to become His Bride. In our hearts we respond to that courtship by seeking after Him or desiring not to.

There comes a time during this courtship, when God ‘’proposes’’ to us: In our hearts, He asks us to become His own. It is as though we are on the altar saying our vows: God asks us, ‘’Will you take me?’’ and once we say ‘’I Do’’, we become His Bride.

People say ‘’I Do’’ in various ways: they repeat a pre-written script or they write their own vows. Whatever the case may be, their words are sincere.

If Jesus is calling you to become His Bride, you can respond to Him right now. Tell Him that you want to belong to Him and ask Him to be part of your life. Promise to ‘’Love, cherish, honor and obey’’. Whatever words you have in your heart, speak them to Jesus.

Once you have said ‘’I Do’’ to God’s proposal, you enter into ‘’The Way of Salvation’’.

Perhaps you made a commitment to Christ at your Confirmation, but you are no longer walking closely with Him. He longs to be near you, to guide and protect you. Ask Him to come more fully into your life and continue on the Way of Salvation.

Walk in this way during your lifetime: pray, go to mass, read the scripture, and ask God to help you. And remember most of all, He said He will never leave you, nor forsake you.’’
It was written in an evangelical style. You can always include links or more info. This is what we did…just an idea.
 
LennyFL said:
I have been doing some research on this and I was thinking about seeing if I can start something like this in my perish. In my research I have seen other Catholics doing a a door-door preaching work similar to that of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have some questions about this. In Matt. 28:19 the call to evangelization is obvious. Going about it in a door-door preaching fashion I am not so sure about because of we look at Luke 10:7 it says “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking the things that are with them. For the worker is worthy of his pay. Do not choose to pass from house to house.” Now one could argue that this is teaching agains the door-door method of preaching but it seems to me that it is saying not to look for hand outs door-door. What is the Church’s stance on a door-door preaching work. I still want to start some type of organized preaching work at my church and I am not totally convinced that door-door would be the right approach because people will confuse us with Jehovah’s witnesses. And most would say that Jehovah’s witnesses are quite a nuisance at 9:00am. If anyone has any thoughts on this it would be much appreciated.
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There are two Bible verses that I know of that mention the Apostles going door-to-door:

Acts 5:42 - “And every day they ceased not in the temple, and from house to house, to teach and preach Christ Jesus.”

Acts 20:20 - “I have kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have preached it to you, and taught you publicly, and from house to house.”
 
LennyFL said:
I have been doing some research on this and I was thinking about seeing if I can start something like this in my perish. In my research I have seen other Catholics doing a a door-door preaching work similar to that of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have some questions about this. In Matt. 28:19 the call to evangelization is obvious. Going about it in a door-door preaching fashion I am not so sure about because of we look at Luke 10:7 it says “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking the things that are with them. For the worker is worthy of his pay. Do not choose to pass from house to house.” Now one could argue that this is teaching agains the door-door method of preaching but it seems to me that it is saying not to look for hand outs door-door. What is the Church’s stance on a door-door preaching work. I still want to start some type of organized preaching work at my church and I am not totally convinced that door-door would be the right approach because people will confuse us with Jehovah’s witnesses. And most would say that Jehovah’s witnesses are quite a nuisance at 9:00am. If anyone has any thoughts on this it would be much appreciated.
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i suggest going in a group and on-on-one or together evangilizing. other free evangelization that i know of and recommend are;

St. Paul Street Evangelization

some more

hope helps

God bless
 
It is my understanding that The Legion of Mary, a large, well-established Catholic lay organization, has been doing such door-to-door evangelization for year, among other ministries. Check to see of there is an active unit (praesidium) in your parish or diocese. They may be able to offer you training, resources, and fellowship.
 
I want to thank all of you for this advice. I actually expected a some what negative response to this. I’m going to continue my research and get any resources together. I will talk to my priest about this and will probably get a positive response from him as well. I am very much excited to get this going. It has been my dream ever sense I’ve realized the Catholic Church is the true Church. Anymore ideas are much appreciated.
 
I would say that for every person in the street evangelizing, another two need to be in the adoration chapel praying at the same time. Don’t try to do this without prayer, both your own and other people backing you up.

-Tim-
 
LennyFL said:
I have been doing some research on this and I was thinking about seeing if I can start something like this in my perish. In my research I have seen other Catholics doing a a door-door preaching work similar to that of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have some questions about this. In Matt. 28:19 the call to evangelization is obvious. Going about it in a door-door preaching fashion I am not so sure about because of we look at Luke 10:7 it says “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking the things that are with them. For the worker is worthy of his pay. Do not choose to pass from house to house.” Now one could argue that this is teaching agains the door-door method of preaching but it seems to me that it is saying not to look for hand outs door-door. What is the Church’s stance on a door-door preaching work. I still want to start some type of organized preaching work at my church and I am not totally convinced that door-door would be the right approach because people will confuse us with Jehovah’s witnesses. And most would say that Jehovah’s witnesses are quite a nuisance at 9:00am. If anyone has any thoughts on this it would be much appreciated.
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I do this. I work with a small order that focuses on this time of evangelization…

Sean
 
I think a nice flier to hang on the front door would need to be rather pointed at
Catholics so they don’t miss the message.
Something like:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For Catholics who may want to renew their faith again in Jesus.

Are you missing “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in him.”
Remember your first holy communion, your closeness to Jesus. It can be that way again, you can come back to him and receive him again in your heart and experience his peace.

Even if you have had several marriages, it might be possible.
We want to help you find him again, and to work things out.

Just give us a ring and we will take it from there.
Our phone number is 999-999-9999, just say you would like to talk to Father about a personal matter.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This has an informal tone.
It appeals to what catholics value the most…Holy Communion, peace of soul.
It assures them that they will have Father’s help.
It is pointed at catholics.
It is simple to read and unclumbered with info they don’t need to start off.

Of course you would need Father’s approval.

Now you may throw flowers or bricks.
 
I’m doing door to door evangelizing in St. Louis, MO with 'The Society Of Our Mother Of Peace. We work with different parishes and invite them to mass. If they are open to the Catholic faith, we follow up with more info about Catholicism. Not much response, but we’re planting seeds. God is doing the rest. All are invited, few come to the Banquet.
 
fred_conty said:
I think a nice flier to hang on the front door would need to be rather pointed at
Catholics so they don’t miss the message.
Something like:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For Catholics who may want to renew their faith again in Jesus.

Are you missing “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in him.”
Remember your first holy communion, your closeness to Jesus. It can be that way again, you can come back to him and receive him again in your heart and experience his peace.

Even if you have had several marriages, it might be possible.
We want to help you find him again, and to work things out.

Just give us a ring and we will take it from there.
Our phone number is 999-999-9999, just say you would like to talk to Father about a personal matter.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This has an informal tone.
It appeals to what catholics value the most…Holy Communion, peace of soul.
It assures them that they will have Father’s help.
It is pointed at catholics.
It is simple to read and unclumbered with info they don’t need to start off.

Of course you would need Father’s approval.

Now you may throw flowers or bricks.
Click to expand...
All good ideas!

:flowers: :flowers: :flowers: (throwing flowers - not kisses :o )
 
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