Door to door Catholics

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sticknstring73

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I am in nyc and have been reading a few articles about parishes in my area that have been going door to door to invite people to mass bother in up state ny and in NYC itself. This is a very interesting concept imho and one that I would be interested in participating in myself. Always I hear that we should evangelize by our example, anything else seems to be considered overdoing it.

In any case, there are a few gentlemen that I meet with some mornings from my parish and when I bring it up I can see that they wilt a bit. It is not as if our parish is hurting for parishioners but it frustrates me that in the summer and spring months there are protestant prayer stations, a Muslim with a long table who is handing out books promoting islam and jehovahs witnesses (who to their credit are there YEAR ROUND) all withing a half block walk from our parish.

Why is this so distasteful to us as Catholics? If we are responsible to be good to one another doesn’t that include proclaiming the gospel? My father would routinely speak about God and Jesus which I am sure had an effect on my own (late) belief. If they never hear it will they come?

For reference:

cny.org/stories/Bronx-Parish-Going-Door-to-Door-for-The-Catholic-Faith,13313

ncregister.com/daily-news/ny-diocese-goes-out-to-count-christs-flock-and-bring-back-the-lost-sheep
 
It’s not about the mode at all. All modes can be good.

The Church must train Catholics to evangelise, by example and by all other means.

Must train us.
 
This is something we have to sometimes reach out for. Talk to your pastor. Print this information out. It makes sense. “Jesus sent” are the key words. I did street witnessing which was simply inviting people to meet Jesus Christ. No pressure. Just an invitation. Some refused, others listened. I don’t know how many were moved to go to Church or return to Church.

On Catholic radio, a local priest played a recording of himself talking to his parish’s men’s group. He asked a simple question: “If some of you aren’t out there evangelizing, why not?” Yes, some preparation is required, but it’s not difficult. I applaud this effort and hope it is widely adopted among all parishes.

Ed
 
I never heard that it was, though certainly some folks will assume them to be JWs or Mormons.

We have a great organization in place if you want to get involved.
**St. Paul Street Evangelization

**They have some really good stuff to help with that. **
http://streetevangelization.com/spse-store/files/2015/01/gospelofluke-500x343.jpg
**
There are a lot of ways to share your faith.

I keep a supply of good Catholic Tracts on hand to give to people as the Holy Spirit opens the doors. CA actually has one of the best I have ever seen anywhere.
shop.catholic.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/210x210/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/o/gods-love-for-you_1.jpg
**God’s Love For You

Check it out.
**
 
Yes, I go to Fordham University and it is a parish in our neighborhood that is doing this outreach. I remember reading about it right after they began. Many of the Hispanic residents of the area I believe are taking to it very nicely. It is true that we should always be evangelizing, not necessarily by our words but mainly by our actions, and I guess if this works, then why not?

May God bless you all abundantly and forever! 🙂
 
Not all of us are cut out to be door-to-door evangelizers. See 1 Corinthians 12:28-31.

We all have different gifts. I evangelized at a dinner party Friday by explaining what the Catholic Church teaches (and yes, I was asked), and again today by helping a single mom & her daughter with grocery shopping.
 
St_Francis said:
Legion of Mary might be a good idea because their structure is geared towards training.
Click to expand...
I am currently an auxiliary member of Legion of Mary but I used to be an active member and you would be surprised how many people are willing to talk about the Church people don’t become Catholic because no one invites them to come to the Catholic Church
 
Church_Militant said:
I never heard that it was, though certainly some folks will assume them to be JWs or Mormons.

We have a great organization in place if you want to get involved.
St. Paul Street Evangelization

They have some really good stuff to help with that. **
http://streetevangelization.com/spse-store/files/2015/01/gospelofluke-500x343.jpg**

There are a lot of ways to share your faith.

I keep a supply of good Catholic Tracts on hand to give to people as the Holy Spirit opens the doors. CA actually has one of the best I have ever seen anywhere.
shop.catholic.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/210x210/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/o/gods-love-for-you_1.jpg
God’s Love For You

Check it out.**
**
Click to expand...
Thank you, very much.

Ed
 
adamhovey1988 said:
I am currently an auxiliary member of Legion of Mary but I used to be an active member and you would be surprised how many people are willing to talk about the Church people don’t become Catholic because no one invites them to come to the Catholic Church
Click to expand...
That’s true. It’s meant to be an invitation. A sharing of the Good News.

Ed
 
The Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate and the SistersHome Vistors of Mary are two religious orders do go door to door.The Parish Visitors operate in the New York area. Both communities have been around for a long time. I think the Daugthers of St.Paul also do this too.
 
Church_Militant said:
I never heard that it was, though certainly some folks will assume them to be JWs or Mormons.

We have a great organization in place if you want to get involved.
St. Paul Street Evangelization

They have some really good stuff to help with

Thank you! I am aware of them but I am unsure how it works, they are courses you take correct?

I’m starting to think that perhaps parishes that want to do this (or parishioners who want to suggest it) should first suggest the formation of an apologetics class or group.
Click to expand...
 
sticknstring73 said:
Thank you! I am aware of them but I am unsure how it works, they are courses you take correct?

I’m starting to think that perhaps parishes that want to do this (or parishioners who want to suggest it) should first suggest the formation of an apologetics class or group.
Click to expand...
Contact SPSE and see what they say and I also suggest that you talk to your pastor and get him on board and volunteer to spearhead the formation of the group. You may find out that there is already a group active there in your town but if not, congratulations…you’re a pioneer. 🙂
 
In my town square, you quite often see people of various faiths handing out leaflets. Haven’t seen any Catholics yet doing this, although one local parish is at least talking about trying it. There’s even an Orthodox priest who stands outside the bank with an array of icons set up and a sign proclaiming Orthodoxy to be the original church. Its about time there was a Catholic presence to tell people the truth.

I’ve been discussing the idea at my parish of door to door cards ready for Easter. On one side could be a passage of scripture and a picture evoking Easter, on the rear a short message from the priest and the Mass times and address. Easter is a great opportunity and its time to start planning for it. This is where we can learn something from the protestants. Advertise what your church is doing, get them in for special events like Easter, make them feel welcome and encourage them to come back next week.
 
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