The Evangelization Commission focuses on welcoming people, building connections and personal relationships, and ultimately inspiring all to grow in their life as disciples of Jesus, as vibrant participants in Christ’s presence and work on earth.

Living lovingly, joyfully and truthfully, we seek to inspire others to see Christ within us. Acting as agents of Christ’s transforming love, we proclaim in word and deed what we believe and hold dear as Catholics.

Guidance from our Pope

Pope Francis encourages us to “proclaim the Gospel without excluding anyone. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations, [we] should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet. It is not by proselytizing that the Church grows, but ‘by attraction.’”
 
He also states that he never tires of repeating these words of Pope Benedict XVI: “Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction,” an encounter--or a renewed encounter--with God’s love. 
 
Pope Francis explains that “Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love.” He also reminds us that, “Whenever we make the effort to return to the source and to recover the original freshness of the Gospel, new avenues arise, more eloquent signs and words with new meaning for today’s world. Every form of authentic evangelization is always ‘new.’”

What's going on now?

Whether we recognize it or not, each of us is evangelizing, simply by how we live our lives. However, you may discover you are interested in learning more about evangelization from a Catholic perspective or in possibly participating in the work of the Evangelization Commission (with or without attending meetings). 

Called & Gifted Workshop or self-study
Gain renewed inspiration and focus in your life! Each one of us is called by God and has been given powerful spiritual gifts. We all have them!  It is exciting to recognize our own gifts and experience the joy that comes from embracing them more fully.  
 
The Called & Gifted Discernment Process is simple to do and is designed to help Christians discern the presence of charisms (or spiritual gifts) in their lives. Learn more and register here.
 
“I can’t recommend this highly enough! It is easy to do, powerful and truly life changing, as you are able to see yourself and your life more clearly!”   

Evangelization 101
WHAT IS MEANT BY THE “NEW EVANGELIZATION?
IT STARTS WITH ONE PERSON...YOU!
PRAYER
CARE
SHARE
FREE FROM FEAR AND PRESSURE
ACTION
BEFRIENDING AND ACCOMPANYING

Building Connections in Christ  
Good Shepherd is HERE FOR YOU. Our parish community is important at all times but particularly during this time of global pandemic. Let's together support each other and continue to build connections in Christ.
 
Make a call: Would you like to call parishioners to check-in on how things are going, share the ministries our parish is offering, or make a connection with someone navigating these unprecedented times? If so, click here. THANK YOU for your willingness to be a connection to Good Shepherd for a fellow parishioner!
 
Get a call: If you would like to receive a call from a Good Shepherd parishioner to share joys or struggles in your life, create a connection with someone who shares a passion for our Good Shepherd community, or learn about Good Shepherd ministries, click here. We look forward to making a connection with you!

Handwritten Note: If you or anyone you know would like to receive a handwritten note from a Good Shepherd parishioner, click here. 
 

More Information

Starter Reading List
Fruitful Discipleship, Living the Mission of Jesus in the Church and the World by Sherry A. Weddell (Participants in Called & Gifted receive a copy of this book as part of the program.)
The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium), Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis
Radical Hospitality, Benedict’s Way of Love by Fr. Daniel Homan, OSB, and Lonni Collins Pratt.
Forming Intentional Disciples, The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus by Sherry A. Weddell
Vibrant Paradoxes, The Both/And of Catholicism by Robert Barron. 
Barking to the Choir, The Power of Radical Kinship by Fr. Greg Boyle
Why Be Catholic? Understanding our Experience & Tradition by Richard Rohr
Centered: The Spirituality of Word on Fire by Robert Barron 
The Word on Fire Institute (wordonfire.institute) 
Word on Fire ENGAGE, accessible through Good Shepherd FlockNotes.

Selections About Evangelization from Good Shepherd’s Strategic Plan
Good Shepherd is a community that welcomes all. By our words and by our actions, in our work environment and in our stewardship, we will serve as an example to our community in such a way that others will be inspired to join us for the greater glory of God. They will know us by our works, and join us for our joy.

• Evangelization is the foundation for building relationships that reflect the love of Christ for all people.
• Evangelization challenges us to engage more fully in the life of the Body of Christ, and inspires others to desire that same life in Christ.
• Evangelization is about actively engaging and inviting, drawing everyone into relationship as part of the Body of Christ.
• Evangelization creates and maintains a community of invitation, hospitality and dynamic engagement, essential elements of a parish committed to welcome.

Curious? 

If you are interested in learning more about evangelization from a Catholic perspective, or in possibly participating in the work of the Evangelization Commission, (with or without attending meetings) contact Lori Jaklevich at kansaschai@yahoo.com.