Catholics urged to evangelize

In her keynote speech at the 2004 Parish Convening, held Oct. 30 at LaSalle Institute in Troy, Dr. Carole Eipers challenged the hundreds of Catholics on hand to evangelize -- first themselves and then others.

Evangelization is "the mission of all the baptized," said the executive director of catechetics for William H. Sadlier Inc., a religious publisher.

The theme of the day, sponsored by the Diocesan Pastoral Council, was "Go...Share the Good News." The Evangelist asked several people who attended what got them excited about sharing the Good News of the Gospels. Here are their responses:

* Jo Erichetto, a catechist at Our Lady of Fatima parish in Delanson: "We should expound on the Word of God. People today aren't aware of the messages in the Scriptures, what they say to us today and how that impacts our lives. We seem to apply what we read in the Scriptures so that it conveniently fits into our lives. We can't [do that]."

* Ethel O'Brien, a volunteer at Our Lady of Fatima: "Last year, our parish introduced whole community catechesis, which involves everyone in the parish. It has been very effective, and I'd like to see it continue. It is a good way to evangelize ourselves first."

* Linda Faduski from St. James Church in Fort Plain and a workshop presenter on "RCIA, the Power to Transform": "Dr. Eipers said some very profound things [which] caused me to throw away my notes and reconsider my presentation on the RCIA. She said that before we can even think about evangelizing others, we must evangelize ourselves. We can, as catechists, freely share what we know with others; but, in order to do that effectively, we must deepen our own relationship with God. Only then can we go on to share what we have learned with others so that they, too, can know that deep relationship. She said that the evangelization process is weakened when catechists do not know about their faith and the life of the Church. I am going to incorporate this in my presentation."

* Mary Harrington, a Eucharistic minister at St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls: "Dr. Eipers said that we can jumpstart our hearts for Jesus. That made me think. Whenever my inner life seems to be going astray, I pray and put everything in God's hands. The Holy Spirit always leads me right to the door. I'm going to share what I've heard today with others."

* Dorothy Giaquinto from St. Patrick's parish in St. Johnsville: "I want to go home to my parish and do more! We have a small town, and, consequently, our parish is always interacting with people from other religions. I love it because it fosters an ecumenical atmosphere for everyone. As a small community, we are all part of each other's lives. We work together. Dr. Eipers had many good things to say about evangelization."

* Mary Lou Coso, a lector and RCIA team member from St. Patrick's, St. Johnsville: "What hit me with the most force was when she said that [as catechists] we are part of the solution, but we are also part of the problem. I entered the Formation for Ministry Program for my own personal growth in my faith; but, while there, I developed an inner peace and sense of what it means to be a part of that community. I see evangelization as an important part of that process. We are all called to proclaim the Gospel. We can do that together in community; but if we broaden our connections, go beyond our family or parish, then we will be able to enrich the larger community we call Church."

(11/4/04)