April 13, 2012

Archdiocese to host sessions on ‘New Evangelization’ and faith formation of laity

Special to The Criterion

In anticipation of the Year of Faith, the archdiocese is working to bring about a renewal of parish faith formation and evangelization.

“If we as Catholics are committed to the ‘New Evangelization’ and the revitalization of our Church, then an essential place to start is with the renewal of our parish faith formation efforts,” said Peg McEvoy, associate director of evangelization and family catechesis for the archdiocese.

“Faith formation, especially for our adults, is a key to this renewal,” she said. “If we can help Catholics know ‘why’ we believe as we do, they can grow in their own faith, and confidently and joyfully share it with others.”

The archdiocese is working with Ascension Press on information sessions, which will feature a presentation on the “New Evangelization” by Matthew Pinto, a best-selling Catholic author and president of Ascension Press.

Five deanery sessions are scheduled in the archdiocese on April 17-18.

  • New Albany Deanery—1-3 p.m. on April 17 at St. Michael Parish, Parish Life Center, 11400 Farmers Lane, N.E., in Bradford.
  • Batesville Deanery—7-9 p.m. on April 17 at St. John the Baptist Parish, Parish Hall, 25743 State Road 1, in Dover.
  • Bloomington Deanery—9:30-11:30 a.m. on April 18 at St. John the Apostle Parish, Parish Life Center, 4607 W. State Road 46, in Bloomington. Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. at the church.
  • Indianapolis South Deanery—3-5 p.m. on April 18 at Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ School, Father Gootee Conference Room, 7225 Southeastern Ave., in Indianapolis.
  • Indianapolis North Deanery—7-9 p.m. on April 18 at St. Matthew the Apostle Church, Community Room, 4100 E. 56th St., in Indianapolis. Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m. at the church followed by adoration.

“The initial call for a ‘new evangelization’ by Blessed John Paul II about 20 years ago has gripped the imagination of Catholic lay and religious leaders,” Pinto said, “and it has instilled a sense of hope that the Church is still the city set on a hill—a light to the nations.

“Over the past 2,000 years, the Church has faced staggering challenges, both internal and external,” he said. “Yet, she is still here today and will be here until the end of time. The ‘New Evangelization’ is a call to Catholics to a new commitment to Christ and a new dynamism in bringing his saving message to a world in great need.”

Pinto’s presentation includes an introduction to three faith formation resources that have enriched the faith life of the laity and parish life across the country.

“One of our goals is to take some of the guesswork out of parish faith formation,” explained Pinto, who has authored or co-authored 10 books. “Our programs are designed to appeal to a popular audience, and are created in a way that is easy to facilitate. We want to give Catholics a renewed sense of the beauty and riches of our faith. We want to help them understand why we believe what we believe, and show them how the faith applies to our daily life. Helping Catholics in this way is essential to the ‘new evangelization.’ ”

Each information session will last 90 minutes, and include ample time for questions and answers. The sessions are free.

(For more information or to register for a session, contact Corinne Murphy at cmurphy@ascensionpress.com or 877-842-1877, ext. 209. For more information about the Office of Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, contact Peg McEvoy, associate director of evangelization and family catechesis, at pmcevoy@archindy.org or 317-236-1430 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1430.) †

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