Prayer for the New EvangelizationLord Jesus Christ,

You have given your Church the mission to proclaim the Gospel to all the nations.

May our efforts to fulfill this mission be guided by the Holy Spirit so that we might be a leaven of new life, salt of the earth and a light of the world, worthy missionaries and faithful to You.

Make us valiant witnesses to the Faith of the Church and inspire us to speak the truth with love.

Help us to communicate to others the joy that we have received.1

Prayer for the New EvangelizationPermit us to be united, but not closed; humble, but not fearful,simple, but not naïve; thoughtful, but not overbearingcontemporary, but not superficial;respectful of others, but boldly Your disciples.

May we bear into the world the hope of God, which is Christ the Lord,who rose from the dead and lives and reigns with the Father and theHoly Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us!St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, Pray for us!St. Peter and St. Paul, Pray for us!St. Thérèse, Patroness of Missionaries, Pray for us!St Thomas Aquinas, Pray for us! 2

“Be Ready” – Sharing Our FaithOur personal story introduces people to Jesus

• “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.”

Mark 5:19• “…even the finest witness will prove ineffective in the long run

if it is not explained, justified... proclaimed by the word of life.” Paul VI - Evangelii Nuntiandi 22

• “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope”

1 Peter 3:153

Sharing Our FaithTelling a Story

• Before people are willing to hear the Good News of Jesus, the kerygma, they probably need to hear the example of his good news in our life

• We are Christ-bearers; people can encounter Christ by encountering us

• People can argue with us about the truths of the Catholic faith and the content of the Good News • But it’s hard to argue with our own experience of how

Jesus changed our life 4

ObstaclesWhat holds me back?

• Common obstacles to sharing our faith • Lack of confidence (self-perception)• Lack of courage (fear)• Lack of love (self focus vs. open myself up)• Lack of know-how and preparation (“I’m Catholic!”)• Lack of thankfulness (ingratitude)• Lack of commitment (“It’s Father’s job!”)• Lack of opportunity (Have I prayed for opportunities?)

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Essence of Sharing Our FaithOpening my relationship with Christ to another

• Love• Am I in a loving relationship with Christ?• Am I opening myself to a relationship with the other person?

• Conversation• Am I also listening?• Is sharing my life in Christ helping the person to discover their

story?• Holy Spirit

• Am I aware of God working in my life in real time?• Am I attentive to his promptings for the sake of the other? 6

Ways to Share Our FaithAdapt to the situation

• Chronological – my salvation history or story • My conversion – my decision(s) to respond to Christ’s

invitation• Smaller stories

• How have I encountered Christ in a personal way?• An example of how Christ has made a difference in my life• A reason I love being Catholic• Other large or small conversions in my life• A (personal) reason why I am a Christian• A way Christ has revealed a calling, gift or vocation to me• A way I have experienced new life, freedom or resurrection 7

“Blind Man Pattern”A biblical example

A scriptural pattern for sharing my faith story

I was blind – [Jesus healed me] – Now I can see!

John 9

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“Blind Man Pattern”Before - Relate – “I was blind”

• Describe my spiritual life before committing myself more deeply to Christ.

• How did that impact me – my priorities, feelings, attitudes, actions, and relationships?

• How did that work for me?

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“Blind Man Pattern”During - Reveal – “Jesus healed me”

• What circumstances led me to want Jesus Christ to be more a part of my life?

• What did Jesus do?• How did I make a deeper commitment to Christ?

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“Blind Man Pattern”After - Rejoice – “Now I can see”

• How did my life begin to change after I committed myself to Christ?

• Am I approaching my life differently now than before? • How has God’s role in my life changed?

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TipsShare your life with JOY!

• Avoid negative statements about people• Share my story in a conversation, not “at” someone• Be aware of exceptionalism – ordinary is OK• Share my life • Out of my sinfulness, poverty, pain, doubt, fear, sorrow and

weakness • Out of my, riches, healing, trust, hope, joy and strength in The Lord

• What I most love about the gift of my faith speaks to people where they are.

• Trust in the power of the Holy Spirit who is the principle cause of conversion

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Sharing Our FaithOpening my relationship with Christ to another

• Love - Relationships with Christ and another• Stories - Reflect, refine, refresh • Conversation• Holy Spirit – Aware of his action in my life and his

prompting me when and how to share

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Closing PrayerFrom Psalm 116:How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord

Thank you!

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