New Catholic evangelizing new Christian brother

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yellow8yellowM

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Could anybody give some evangelizing advice given my situation?

My brother is a newly baptized non-denominational Christian. His wife grew up going to Church on Sundays but I would not characterize her as “on fire” in her faith. I am also newly baptized, but in the Catholic Church this past Easter, and I feel on fire. I want to spread the word and show them the fullness of our faith.

I think there is a real chance that they could be Catholic one day, unlike some other family members of mine. How should I go about evangelizing without scaring them off?

I will provide more details if needed. Keep in mind this would be my first real attempt at evangelizing, other than simply leading by example.

I was received into the Catholic Church this past Easter and my brother was baptized in a non-denominational Christian church recently as well. We were raised in a non-church-going fallen-away Catholic family and both of our wives asked us to convert.
 
In general, perhaps not by seeking to impose our beliefs upon your family, as that often alienates, but if any questions are asked, responding carefully and quietly.
As faith is a gift, then prayer, but I don’t doubt that you are earnestly praying for your family.
Your example will be very important, how charitable, respectful, and authentic you are,
and knowing the value that example as itself a convincing sermon, remembering the words of the great Saint Francis of Assisi,
“Preach, and if necessary, use words.”

May God continue to bless you abundantly
 
Dig deep into your Catholic faith. Receive the Sacraments often. Cleanse that soul. If you love Jesus Christ, let it show: spend time with our Lord at adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (“holy hour”). Pray intently for both of them, face-to-face with Jesus Christ. You will be amazed at what can happen in His presence. Show your brother and sister-in-law the absolute joy of being Catholic. You will not have to say a word - your example will draw them. But, if they ask, you need answers. Do you have a copy of Catholicism for Dummies? It is a great basic primer on the faith. They might ask, and you can lend it to them to read - but read it first. Get a catechism, as well, since many modern moral questions (mainly marriage, contraception and abortion) may come up in conversation with them. If you have answers, you can counter any false teachings they have learned, as well as false information about the Catholic Church. It is an absolute blessing that you are on fire for the faith!
 
From my own experience, I would say the main thing you can do is pray.

Religion doesn’t come up often with my family *. And it’s good to know your faith and being able to explain general questions about the Catholic faith. But, the most important thing to do is pray.

My brother was basically an agnostic/ atheist. Without having hardly any religious conversations with him… most of the time I’d just share that I went to Church or I went to a Bible study or w/e. Mainly through prayer he is now a Christian. I think it was solely an answer to prayer.

Your family is the hardest group of people to “minister” to, because they know you the best. Especially if you weren’t always a Christian. So, the most important thing to do is pray for them, and to just live in a Christ-like way. Believe me, they will notice a difference. And before too long they’ll connect the dots whether they tell you or not.

All the best, and congratulations to you and your brother for y’alls new found faith in Christ!*
 
Personally, I believe that when you live your life in such a way that other people want what you have then you draw them to the Church by your actions rather than words. Enthusiasm for the Church and showing how it gives you a peaceful, loving life will evangelize more than you realize. Our faith is under great criticism these days by many people including Catholics. Know your faith the best you can so that when questions are asked your answers are ready. If you want people to want to be Catholic you have to show how much you love the Church and what we believe and practice. Enjoy your faith, pray for conversions and trust God to be in charge. God bless you.
 
Welcome home “yellow”.

Pray for the gift of wisdom from the Holy Spirit to be able to say the right things at the right time. Let your words be the Holy Spirit guiding you in the virtue of prudence. Starting with our joyfulness, peace and love is a great example.
 
I will echo what others have said.
I just heard something on “The Journey Home” that I thought was great…and might be of help
“They won’t care how much know know until they know how much you care.”

So start from just being the best Catholic you can, living in Love. Share with your brother and let him share with you the things you are each discovering on your faith journey. Start out concentrating on things you agree on…Mainly the Love of God for us and the great gift of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.
Differences will begin to surface naturally, but don’t make a big issue out of them…In other words…
Don’t jump in with, “That’s wrong!!!” Better to start with, “we view it a bit differently…”
Watch out for words that are understood differently in the protestant world than in the Catholic. These can be things as simple as “justification” and “works”…before getting too far into a debate, seek to understand what is meant by the terms being used.

And of course…All things in Love…👍

These things, hopefully, will lead you to many wonderful and useful discussions, debates and learning.

Oh - and one other thing…If you are asked question that you don’t know the answer?? Be willing to say - “I don’t know - - - but I’ll find out and get back to you on that one.”
Then do so.

Hope some of this helps.

Peace
James
 
Thank you all for your advice–I will do my best to lead by example and be very charitable in my conversations.
 
"Don’t jump in with, “That’s wrong!!!”

Yes. I tend to introduce Catholic ideas by saying, “The Church teaches that…” or “The Church understands that passage to mean…” or “The Council of Nicaea decided…”
 
If there are ever disputes over doctrine, you could use the Bible to back up your case.

For example: Protestants believe that the bread and wine are symbolic only, not real.

If he ever mentions this to you, you could point out the passage where (I am sorry I can’t provide quotes) Jesus says something about ‘eating my flesh and drinking my blood’.

Similarly, Protestants believe that they are saved by faith only, not by faith and works. Yet somewhere Jesus says something about ‘faith alone is dead’ and that good works are also needed.

I am sorry I can’t provide exact quotes but I don’t know where abouts they are.
 
SilverCamellia said:
If there are ever disputes over doctrine, you could use the Bible to back up your case.

For example: Protestants believe that the bread and wine are symbolic only, not real.

If he ever mentions this to you, you could point out the passage where (I am sorry I can’t provide quotes) Jesus says something about ‘eating my flesh and drinking my blood’.

Similarly, Protestants believe that they are saved by faith only, not by faith and works. Yet somewhere Jesus says something about ‘faith alone is dead’ and that good works are also needed.

I am sorry I can’t provide exact quotes but I don’t know where abouts they are.
Click to expand...
John chapter 6 contains the discourse on the bread and blood.

James chapter 2 talks about the necessity of works…

Peace
James
 
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