What does evangelization look like for a Catholic?

[DarkLight]

I know evangelization is important, but the way I learned evangelization seems to me that it just wouldn’t work in a Catholic context. I grew up Baptist, and we had a lot of street evangelism stuff and similar, but it was all focused on the “salvation decision” and “sinner’s prayer” and whatnot. There’s just no equivalent in Catholicism really. I suppose I could technically carry a water bottle and try to convince people to get baptized on the street, but that would be both illicit and kind of dumb.

I also have doubts about a lot of street evangelism to begin with - mostly because in retrospect I think the people who did talk to me were by and large humoring me, and because a lot of what I’ve seen seems to go for shock value and attention-getting statements over profitable teaching, or to engage in techniques that most laypeople would call “harassment.”

But enough of that. My question is if, as a Catholic, we wish to reach out to those around us about our faith, how do we do so? I can explain the theology well enough, but it’s often beyond me how to translate that into something that is talked about outside of a very narrow circle without being perceived as simply offensive. (I’m not talking here about those who would find Catholicism specifically offensive, but more situations where the approach, or the topic of religion in general, would be regarded as inappropriate).

 

[Tis_Bearself]

In my own experience, and I’m sure others have different such experiences, Catholics don’t actively evangelize unless someone shows interest (with the exception of missionaries and certain Catholic groups with a focus on evangelization ). We focus on living our faith publicly. We might do something like pray the Rosary publicly for example, and if someone shows interest then approach them. Or go on a ministry where we’d visit and maybe offer to pray with non-Catholics in a nursing home. But we don’t go up and solicit people.

 

[greenrangerx]

I remember in RCIA, our Deacon told us evangelization could be something as simple as making the sign of the cross when you go out to eat, reading a book about faith in public (breakroom at work, a park), or offering to pray for someone you know is going through a rough time. Subtle things that could plant a seed and maybe spark an interest.

 

[pianistclare]

Evangelization is more about you. Meaning, you should be well catechized, for you never know when the Holy Spirit will use you to qualify or clarify something that is said about the faith, against the faith, or receive an inquiry about the faith. Be prepared.

 

[dann]

I was educated catholic. And I don’t think I have ever had a catholic offer to pray for me.

 

[Trishie]

Dann, I will pray for you if that is okay with you.

 

[De_Maria]

But enough of that. My question is if, as a Catholic, we wish to reach out to those around us about our faith, how do we do so? …

First of all, mind your own business. One of the things I dislike the most is the obtrusive way that Protestants proselytize when I’m trying to have a nice time with my family.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your [own] hands, as we instructed you, 12 that you may conduct yourselves properly toward outsiders and not depend on anyone.

Second, if asked, give an answer:

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Third, if not asked, give good example:

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

I hope that helps.

 

[pianistclare]

We have 24 hours Adoration today. I will definitely pray for you Dann.
From 11 pm to Midnight EST, in fact.

 

[Joe_5859]

I think most of us are called to evangelize primarily through the relationships we form with others.

There is a certain appeal to the thought of evangelizing boatloads of people with minimal effort (isn’t that why I’m here posting on CAF? (Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)). But to really be effective at evangelization, you need to love people. That means, spending time with them and talking about Jesus when called on to do so (which generally isn’t constantly).

Obviously, this is more time intensive. But that’s why it works.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I think the best way to evangelize is to be a vibrant, joy-filled Christian. Be the kind of person about whom someone says “I want what s/he has!”

Don’t you want what he has?

 

[jcrichton]

Hi!

The problem is with the changed culture. It was easy to stand on a corner and preach; it was easy to run around town and “Evangelize” because people were either sincerely concerned not to miss out on Salvation (fear of hell/Wrath of God) or because people were seeking for answers…

As more and more people believe that they have found the answer (rejection of God) and as more and more division and scandal reaches into the Church and other non-Catholic communities people are less accepting and less fearful about missing God/Heaven.

Yet, the Call remains; we must Evangelize the world!

Now, consider what Jesus said: ‘you are Salt/Light of the world.’

That is the Answer!

Salt and Light do not need to coerce or convince anyone; Salt and Light present a very Specific Value to the world.

So we must Evangelize with our Life Experience as much if not more than with our words (preaching).

Maran atha!

Angel