Evangelization programs seek to ignite faith's fire

Having been raised to "keep the faith" rather than spread it, many Catholics lack faith in their ability to evangelize, according to Rev. Martin Fisher, chairman of the Diocesan Evangelization Committee and pastor of St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls.

But he believes that participation in a special "evangelization school" can transform even the most sheepish of parishioners into articulate disciples burning with the fire needed to share their faith with others. Titled "Mission Evangelization," the event will take place April 19 and 26. Jeanne Pitkin, who is co-chairing the project, said the two days are designed to benefit those who want to share their faith with others but lack the confidence to do so.

Meanwhile, the Parish Association Exchange of Northern Saratoga County (PAX) is sponsoring a five-evening seminar series encouraging Catholics who have stopped practicing their faith to return to the fold.

Keynoter

The keynote speaker at "Mission Evangelization" will be John Boucher of the National Council for Catholic Evangelization. He is also training director of CHARISM, a lay institute of spirituality and ministry in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York. He will talk on April 26 about "God's Plan For Our Parish: Go And Make More Disciples."

Mr. Boucher is expected to respond to Pope John Paul's vision for evangelization in the third millennium and to share ideas from his first-hand experience with an innovative evangelization project called "Ashes To Fire."

Mrs. Pitkin, a parishioner of St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park, promises that participants will leave the school equipped with "all the basic evangelization tools" needed to share their faith and Christ's love with others. Included will be tips on helping those who are interested in exploring or re-entering the Church.

Mrs. Pitkin said there is "a ripple effect" when Catholics begin to share their faith lives with others: "They come in touch with God's love and share the vision as well and then they begin reaching out to others."

Cluster event

The PAX-sponsored series, titled "Catholics Coming Home", is one of the major programs sponsored by the organization of volunteers representing St. Mary's of Ballston Spa, St. Joseph's of Greenfield Center, St. Paul's of Rock City Falls, St. Therese's of Gansevoort, and St. Clement's and St. Peter's of Saratoga Springs.

According to PAX spokesman Gary Picher, many people have left the Church due to a misunderstanding. "Our overall goal is to encourage people to become active, practicing Catholics once again by attending weekly liturgy in the parish of their choice," he explained, "and to spread God's message of salvation in thought, word and deed."

("Mission Evangelization" will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 19 and 26 at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. The cost of the two-day event is $25, which includes lunch on the second Saturday. A bag lunch should be packed for the first Saturday. Group discounts are available to parishes sending three or more representatives. To pre-register, call 463-6611 or 453-6644. The free PAX seminars are taking place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. every Thursday in April and on the first Thursday in May at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Saratoga Springs.)

(04-17-97) [[In-content Ad]]