vangelization is reaching out to someone who feels far from the Church and far from God and helping them to come closer.  This picture may seem humorous, but a gentle reaching out can be very effective!  Adam (pictured here) is not at all far from God or from the Church!

According to statistics, a large majority of those who do not attend Church regularly would return if they were asked. Reasons for staying away are many. Some simply have gotten out of the habit of attending and a little extra sleep is nice. For others there might be misunderstandings of Church teachings and policies. Some might feel they are unwelcome to attend due to invalid marriages or other similar issues. Others might have been hurt by the Church, a parishioner or our parish family. Some might have a fear of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Others might have struggles with their faith and may not know how to come for help. Some might feel embarrassed to return after a period of absence. Lack of attendance does not mean they no longer think of the Church or that they do not wish to return. Sometimes they simply need to know they are missed and have a graceful opportunity to return.

art of our Christian Mission is Evangelization. We are to reach out in faith and welcome others. I would like us to consider an Evangelization project. I'm sure you know of someone who no longer attends Church or does so infrequently. Perhaps you have heard someone speak of faith difficulties they might be having. Certainly, the best thing to do is to approach that person and let them know what you are feeling. Tell them you miss them and would welcome their return. Offer to attend Church or a Parish Activity with them. Help them to obtain any assistance they might need from the Church.

Sometimes an important event or season will provide an opportunity.  Christmas and Easter can be great opportunities, because even those who seldom attend Church seem drawn to attend at least on those days.  Visit our "Come Home for Christmas" page for a great way to reach out at that time of year. 

It's helpful if we talk about our faith.  Many people use God's name in inappropriate situations.  It's much more powerful if we let others know what God does for us in our lives.  Others may be searching for what we have.  If our faith is what gives us strength and brings us through hard times, why not tell others about it.  We may have the opportunity to bring them closer to God and God's Church.

Evangelization can be very easy.  Sometimes it's as simple as a child asking a classmate if they intend to attend Religion Class again this year.  One day I was walking down the hallway of our school.  The second grade boys were standing in line waiting to go into the bathroom.  I overheard one ask another, "Do you really believe in Jesus."  The response was, "Yes."  The boy then said, "I do too!"  I once complimented a high school basketball player.  He was very short for a basketball player, but played with all his heart and soul.  His energy was what motivated his team, and they won games.  After one game I said to him, "Joe, you are an *awesome* basketball player."  He responded without even thinking, "That's a gift God gave me."  Not too complicated, right?

We can do the same as adults.  When we live joyfully and peacefully, when we don't judge others, when we look for the good in situations, then others begin to wonder what we have.  If we don't tell them, they'll never know.  If we tell them though, we can help them open a door they may never have seen without our help.

Sometimes we can be tempted to say too much.  We may have a child or family member whose life is not going very well.  We may want them to return to the practice of the faith.  Perhaps we mention that every time we see them.  After a time we can begin to wonder why we see less of them.  Too much pressure sometimes motivates them to move far away from us.  There needs to be a balance, that's for sure.  We can't avoid talking about the good things that come our way through the practice of our faith.  Still, we need to keep the door open to those who aren't practicing their faith.  Sometimes we say too much.  There's an art to knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.

One of the least helpful things we could ever say is, "I told you so!"  It's a tempting thing to say though, when someone who has been living a life we don't agree with fails.  It's much more productive to ask, how can I help?  It can also be helpful to share some of our own experiences of failure, how we felt, and how we found the way to a better life.  Of course, all this needs to be spoken without judgment and without even the hint that we're really saying, "I told you so!"

here are many ways for us to reach out.  We probably do it best by the kindness and joy we bring to the lives of others.  Sometimes we reach out by helping others, and even by allowing others to help us.  May God be with us to help us be the best of evangelizers.  When we see someone who seems far from God, we can explore ways to help them draw closer once more!