Evangelization mandatory?

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anilorak13ska

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I’m just curious as to whether Catholicism places a similar weight on evangelization as does Protestantism. Specifically, it is my understanding that part of being a good Protestant means speaking up about why we’re Christian and encouraging non-believers to accept Christ. This stems from their belief that we are saved by faith alone, and that all non-believers are doomed to hell. (That’s my understanding, anyway. If I’m wrong, do let me know.)

I’m now starting to see that if Catholics believe that we are saved through baptism, and faith as lived out in good works, this makes me wonder whether there is as pressing an urgency for us to try to evangelize non-Christians.

I don’t want to start a debate comparing Protestantism with Catholicism here. I’m simply pointing out the differences I’ve noticed, and as I’m trying to grow deeper in my Catholic faith, I’d like to know how important should evangelization be in my living out my faith? Is “being a good person” enough? (ie. in the words of St. Francis of Assisi, preaching the gospel always, using words only when necessary)

I should mention I have in mind several relatives in particular.
Should I be any more concerned about the unbaptised ones versus those who were baptised?
Should I be any more concerned about those who do try to make good choices and help others, yet lack a closeness with God (based on their own admission)?
Should I be any more concerned about those who don’t go to church than those who do?

Thanks for your thoughts!
 
Don’t forget that we’ve been around for some 15 centuries before Protestantism 😉 There can be no comparison in this sense between the Church and schismatic communities, for their primary characteristic is that they have not added, but subtracted.

Evangelization is indeed mandatory: it was the command that Christ gave us at the time of His glorious Ascension.

First of all, in the index of the Catechism of the Catholic Church there is an “Evangelization” keyword that points to 12 different sections of the Catechism, among which is “Evangelization as the Church’s right and duty”.

Second, there are several official documents on this topic, among which:
As you go through those documents, you will grow in the knowledge of the divine mandate to evangelize that was given to us, the Church, by our beloved Christ. Your particular role will also become more clear, for each of us is called to serve the Church according to their role in society.
 
Not only is evangelization needed, it is desired. Humanity seeks God and thus, if the Good News reaches everywhere the fruit can be substantial.
 
Thanks. I think I’m probably associating evangelization with a very narrow type of activity. I just recently finished reading the Catechism, so I better get back in there to see the references, eh? 🙂 Also, thanks for the further resources.
 
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