e-newsletter of the office for evangelization · october 11, 2012, he asked catholics to picture...
TRANSCRIPT
Year of Faith
I A M T H E V I N E . Y O U A R E T H E B R A N C H E S . J O H N 1 5 : 5
Fall 2012
Volume 3 Issue 3
The Vine E-Newsletter of the
Office for Evangelization
Inside This Issue:
Bishop’s Corner 2
Year of Faith Recommendations
3-7
E - Share 9
Save The Date 10
Discovering Christ Locations
11
Our Catholic
Identity
12
Parish Profile Partnership
13
In Pope Benedict XVI’s homily during the opening Eucharist of the Year of Faith on Thursday, October 11, 2012, he asked Catholics to picture the Year of Faith as “…a pilgrimage in the deserts of today’s world, taking with us only what is necessary…the Gospel and the faith of the Church.” He also asked that “…the Virgin Mary always shine out as a star along the way of the new evangeliza-tion.” (Pope Benedict XVI Synodus Episcoporum Bulletin 10) The Office for Evangelization’s (OFE) desire is to inspire and encourage all in the Archdiocese to an intimate and profound encounter with Christ; allowing Him to renew their faith and revitalize their mission and purpose in the world. The focus of the OFE broadly encompasses the faithful in the pews each Sunday and those that do not yet embrace a deeply faithful Catholic life. We seek to refresh and empower the faithful to reach out to others with the Gospel message of new life in Christ. Since each parish has its own unique qualities, one program or evangelization process can not fit all parishes. Our office strives to establish and nurture relationships with parishes in order to assist them in creating a personalized approach which meets the needs of their parish. Since the last newsletter (Summer 2012), the OFE has been actively engaged in these activities: Offering an Archdiocesan Follow up Webinar for participants in the Discovering Christ Train-
ing Conference and all others interested in the Discovering Christ process; Assisting parishes offering the Discovering Christ process through consultation and active col-
laboration in their offerings; Establishing a dynamic Facebook presence, an important avenue of social media; Facilitating the creation of an online Parish Pastoral Profile to gather in one location infor-
mation about parishes which will facilitate communication and services throughout the Archdi-ocese;
Increasing the visibility and influence of the Soles for Faith Catholic Running Team; Expanding the OFE lending library of evangelization resources for parishes So let us begin our journey to a deeper faith in the next 13 months, remembering that we have “…the common task of making the truth and beauty of the faith shine out in our time, without sacrific-ing it to the demands of the present or leaving it tied to the past: the eternal presence of God re-sounds in the faith, transcending time, yet it can only be welcomed by us in our own unrepeatable today.” (Pope Benedict XVI Synodus Episcoporum Bulletin 10)
Newsletter Editor - Liliana Soto-Cabrera
Layout Design
- Marissa Espinosa
Spanish Newsletter Translation
- Cristina Pardo
Page 2
The Vine
“EVANGELISATION IS NOT THE WORK OF SPECIALISTS BUT OF THE ENTIRE PEOPLE OF GOD”
Every September, all the Bishops who have been ordained during the current year gather in the Vatican to participate in the congress for New Bishops pro-moted by the Congregation for Bishops. At the end of the Congress the partici-pants meet with the Holy Father who gives them a talk on their new responsibil-ities as Bishops, as they go back to their home dioceses to begin their new mis-sion. This year the Holy Father told them that “Evangelisation is not the work of a small number of specialists but of the entire People of God under the guid-ance of their pastors. Each member of the faithful, with and within ecclesial communion, must feel the responsibility to announce and bear witness to the Gospel". I believe the key words here are “announce” and “bear witness”. All of the baptized are called and commissioned to announce the gospel of Jesus to the world. Many people say that they don’t have the training, the preparation or the skills to announce the gospel. While it may be true for some, it is also true that even if we don’t have the skills and gifts to proclaim the gospel in word and writing, we can all do this by the witness of our lives. Sometimes, the most effective way of announcing the gospel is not necessarily by word but by the testimony of our lives. We probably have heard the story of St. Francis inviting one of his brothers to go out and proclaim the gospel to the people in the village. They went out and walked around all day but never said any word. They kept waiting to see when St. Francis was going to start speaking. By the end of the day they returned to the convent and the brothers asked St. Francis what had happened since he promised that they were going to proclaim the gospel to the people, but he never did. St. Francis said that they had done just that - proclaimed the gospel, not with word but with the example of their lives. Pope Paul VI already emphasized this point when he said in his landmark document on Evangelization that “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 41.) We cannot minimize the power of witnessing. It works both ways. The witness of a good, faithful, joyful and loving life, lifts up those with whom we come in contact. If our lives, our attitudes and behavior reflect lack of faith, lack of love and joy, these too will affect the attitudes and behavior of other people. Our faith calls for credible witnesses, people who trust in the Lord and entrust themselves to Him to become a living sign of the presence of the Risen Lord in the world.
Bishop’s Corner -
Most Reverend Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V.
OFFICE FOR EVANGELIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS
As we live the Year of Faith (October 11, 2012 - November 24, 2013), the Office for Evangelization would like to recommend some exciting parish studies/programs. We have reviewed these programs and can confidently recommend them to parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark. All of these programs or studies involve small group discussion.
1. Discovering Christ - This 7-week evangelizing DVD series invites those attending to hear the good news and personally encounter Jesus Christ. After running Discovering Christ, there are two complementary 7 week series, Following Christ and Sharing Christ, which complete this process.
ChristLife 12280 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 888-498-8474 http://christlife.org/discover/whatIsDC.php
2. Catholicism series by Fr. Robert Barron
This series has 10 DVD episodes which run 50-60 minute apiece. There is a companion study guide for participants which can be used in various ways. The series can be run as an intensive 12 week program or as a 22 week program. In breathtaking and high-definition cinematography, the truth, goodness, and beauty of Catholicism are illustrated in a multimedia experience as we journey with Fr. Robert Barron to more than 50 locations throughout 16 countries.
Word on Fire Catholic Ministries 5215 Old Orchard Road, Suite 410, Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 581-4285
http://www.catholicismseries.com To order: 1-866-928-1237 or [email protected] 3. Catholicism 101: Essentials for the Journey with Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins explains the basics of Catholicism in ten dynamic 60-minutes CD or DVD presentations. Drawing upon the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, as well as entertaining personal anecdotes, Cavins makes the Catholic faith come alive. Study Workbook included in this series.
To read about this program: www.jeffcavins.com To order: www.stgeorgebooks.com or call 866-954-9777
How will your parish grow in the Year of Faith?
Page 3
Volume 3 Issue 3
Following the April 2012 two
day Discovering Christ Training
Conference sponsored by the
Office for Evangelization, ap-
proximately 20 parishes in the
Archdiocese are now running
or planning this event.
4. Walking Toward Eternity - This 8 part DVD based series helps Catholics live their faith more fully, particularly focusing on the virtues of love, forgiveness, humility, prayer-fulness, faithfulness, sacrifice, and thankfulness. Each participant receives a Journal with Scripture readings and thought-provoking questions which then help them prayerfully meditate upon the Word of God. There are questions for group discussion in each les-son. The participant also receives a bookmark which describes the steps of Lectio Divina.
Ascension Press, P.O. Box 1990, West Chester, PA 19380 800-376-0520
http://biblestudyforcatholics.com/catholic-bible/study-information/201/walking-toward-eternity 5. A Quick Journey Through the Bible This 8 week DVD based study is an exciting overview of salvation history from a Catholic perspective.
Ascension Press, P.O. Box 1990, West Chester, PA 19380 800-376-0520
http://biblestudyforcatholics.com/catholic-bible/study-information/123/quick-journey-brief-overview-timeline SPANISH LANGUAGE VERSION: The Spanish Language Version DVD has Spanish and English subti-tles. There is a Spanish language student workbook. 6. A Biblical Walk Through the Mass -
This five part DVD study utilizes Scripture, the Catechism and the revised Roman Missal. The talks, given by Dr. Edward Sri, are exciting and insightful.
Ascension Press, P.O. Box 1990, West Chester, PA 19380 800-376-0520
http://biblestudyforcatholics.com/catholic-bible/study-information/190/biblical-walk-mass-ted-sri-adventure
How will your parish grow in the Year of Faith?
Page 4
The Vine
The Office for Evangeliza-tion has helped 14 parishes in the Archdiocese run this study. It is an easy program to run, with a minimal amount of homework. Over 600 parishioners throughout the Archdio-cese have attended the Quick Journey study.
7. Living the Eucharist is a program which is run during Lent for three years. It is de-signed to renew the faith of parishioners as they come to believe, celebrate and live the mystery of the Eucharist more deeply in their lives. It does not include any talks on DVD.
Paulist Evangelization Ministries 3031 Fourth St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
www.LivingtheEucharist.org Inquiries: 800-237-5515 Orders 800-435-7116
8. Hearts Afire Parish-based Programs is a bold and fresh approach to small group, parish-based, faith renewal programs. It is designed to help us live the complete Catholic life of faith, charity, and the sacraments by setting our hearts on fire with love of God and neighbor and to inspire us to works of mercy in our families, parishes, and commu-nities. Easy to implement in parishes, the goal of Hearts Afire is to help bring the parish community more deeply into the burning love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the fire of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. There are extensive online resources to ini-tiate and run this three stage program.
Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception
To order, go to: www.allheartsafire.org or call 877- 200- 4277. 9. EPIC: The Early Church is a 10 session study of the major people, places and events of the first 500 years of Church history, from the lives of the apostles through the rise and fall of Constantine. Participants will gain a greater understanding of the teachings and dogmas of the Catholic faith – and meet those who gave their lives to define and defend them. This study features dynamic DVD presentations with Church history pro-fessor Steve Weidenkopf. A participant workbook is included with minimal home prepa-ration.
Ascension Press, P.O. Box 1990, West Chester, PA 19380 800-376-0520
www.ourcatholichistory.com
How will your parish grow in the Year of Faith?
Page 5
Volume 3 Issue 3
10. Pillar I: The Creed is a 12-part study that guides participants through the first of the four Pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Pillar I: The Creed provides the foundation needed to begin the four-part journey through the complete Pillars series. This study opens up the structure of the Catechism, showing how it is more than a list of “faith facts” but instead a sure map for a journey of faith. Each 50 minute DVD talk given by Dr. Sean Innerst is followed with small group discussion based on the workbook home assignment and Dr. Innerst’s presentation.
Ascension Press, P.O. Box 1990, West Chester, PA 19380 800-376-0520
www.ascensionpress.com 11. Catholics Come Home - Inspired by the Holy Father’s call to a new evangelization, Catholics Come Home reaches out to inactive Catholics with inspiring TV commercials and an interactive Web site: www.catholicscomehome.org. Recently, a car decal has been made available for purchase.
How will your parish grow in the Year of Faith?
Page 6
The Vine
ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK
New! Year of Faith Website
www.yearoffaitharchnewark.org
Go to this developing website to hear a message of welcome from Archbishop John J. Myers and to explore the upcoming Archdiocesan events for the Year of Faith. Explore the site for resources and ideas for the Year of Faith at your parish.
Page 7
Volume 3 Issue 3
Page 8
The Vine
A Discovering Christ follow-up webinar exclusively for the Archdiocese of Newark was held on Tuesday, September 18, 2012. It was run by Dave Nodar, the Founder and Director of ChristLife and Fr. Michael Saporito, Pastor of St. Helen’s in Westfield, NJ and also a member of the Evangelization Commission of the Archdiocese of Newark. The webinar, a web-based seminar, provided an opportunity to learn more about team training, advertising the course and running the Holy Spirit retreat. There was also a short question and answer period. If you were not able to attend the webinar, you can listen to the recorded program at http://www.christlife.org/njwebinar. Another important component for training your team is found in the CD set ChristLife Training CDs which gives all the talks from a ChristLife Training Conference of 2011 and the corresponding Powerpoint slides to train your parish team. Find them at: http://www.mcssl.com/store/christlife/christlife-training-cds
OFEOFEOFEOFE Like us on Facebook at our
New facebook page
Go to our new Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/officeforevangelization
Youtube: www.youtube.com/EvangiRCAN
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EvangiRCAN
Discovering ChristDiscovering Christ
Team Training!Team Training! Saturday, Jan 12, 2013 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Corpus Christi Parish
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Run by Fr. Michael Saporito
All invited! RSVP to [email protected]@rcan.org
News Flash!News Flash!
Gratia Plena Evangelical Community located at St. Antoninus Church in Newark runs a Mission Immersion Experience—an adventure in Catholic living. This week-long event includes service to the poor and needy in Newark, daily prayer, Mass and Adoration, attendance at prayer meeting and bible study culminating in a local Holy Road Trip!
Are you interested in learning more about living in Christian Community? Their next Mission Immersion will be January 7-13, 2013. The theme is Mission Possible: with God all things are possible. Contact them by email at [email protected] with any questions and/or comments or visit them on Facebook at Gratia Plena Evangelical Community. Below are testimonies of two attendees of past Mission Immersion weeks:
E-Share
Page 9
Volume 3 Issue 3
The Mission Immersion experience for me was one that has forever placed a tremendous yearning in my heart to serve the Kingdom of God!!! I never imagined myself in the types of situations I was asked to be in, like feeding the homeless in Newark Penn Station, visiting and spending time with the elderly at the nursing home, helping to build a home and meeting the occupant. I felt the love of Christ so fully and immensely in my soul. As I was out there working, talking, praying, giving out food and clothing, I too was being cleansed, washed and fed by God's love and mercy. I felt a sense of purpose that I never felt before.
I've made major life-changing decisions since this experience and I feel that because of this experience I am now asking God the right questions about His Will in my life!
I used to be a jaded Sunday morning Catholic who saw a dwindling hope for the future. Now I am in love with God and am serious about deepening my relationship with my Creator. I had the privilege of bringing my brother along; he also experienced a transformation as his faith was awakened and deepened through mission immersion. Mission Immersion has helped me find God on a deeper level. I have found peace, strength, and trust.
Page 10
The Vine
Check Us Out!
Check out our website: www.rcan.org/evangelization
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/officeforevangelization
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/EvangiRCAN
Watch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/EvangiRCAN
Lent 2013 – Reconciliation: “The Light is on for You” March 2, 2013 – Men’s Conference March 9, 2013 – Women’s Commission Day of Reflection March 4 -7, 2013 - County Wide Concerts with Tony Melendez
(Youth Event) April 12-14, 2013 Rejoice (Youth Event) April 28, 2013 Youth Fest October 19, 2013 – Matthew in a Day, The King and His Kingdom – Live Bible Seminar with Jeff
Cavins October 26, 2013 Pilgrimage to the National Shrine November 24, 2013 – Closing Mass Year of Faith – Cathedral Basilica
Save the Date Fall 2013
Men’s Conference March 2, 2013
Women’s Commission
Day of Reflection March 9, 2013
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ
Mail to:
Archdiocese of Newark
Office for Evangelization
171 Clifton Avenue
Newark, New Jersey 07104
NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________ PARISH/MINISTRY: ________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIPCODE: ____________________________________________________________________ EMAIL : ________________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE: ___________________________________________________________________________ *********************************************************************************************************************
My E-story:
Tell us your E-story.
How are you evangelizing in your daily life? What are you doing as an indi-vidual, as a part of a ministry, as a parish or as a lay movement ?
E-Share
Page 11
Volume 3 Issue 3
St. John the Baptist, Jersey City – beginning September 23, 2012
Contact: Efraim Ortiz
Holy Trinity, Westfield – beginning September 25, 2012
Contact: Deacon Tom Pluta—908-232-8137
St. Cassian, Upper Montclair – beginning October 1, 2012
Contact: Maria Minano, 973-744-2850 Ext. 5060
Our Lady of Peace, New Providence – beginning October 2, 2012
Contact: Parish office 908-464-7600
Little Flower Parish, Berkeley Heights – beginning October 4, 2012
Contact: [email protected]
Church of the Annunciation, Paramus – beginning January 16, 2013
Contact: Gladys Pozza—[email protected]
Our Lady of Mercy, Park Ridge – beginning January 31, 2013
Contact: Parish office 201-391-5315
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Wyckoff—beginning January 31, 2013
Contact: Jean Gaviglio—[email protected]
St. John the Evangelist, Leonia – beginning February 3, 2013
Contact: Sr. Pat McDermott [email protected]
Most Blessed Sacrament, Franklin Lakes/Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Oakland - February 12, 2013
Contact: Linda Endres 201-493-7138 or Pat Ferrara 201-895-0738
Holy Family/ St. Mary’s/ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Nutley—February 2013
Contact: Parish office 973-667-0026 (Holy Family)
Immaculate Conception, Secaucus - beginning February 20, 2013
Contact: Fr. Rolando Yadao 201-863-4840
Corpus Christ, Hasbrouck Heights - beginning February 12, 2013
Contact: Deacon Paul Carris 201-288-4844
Want to learn more about discovering CHRIST?
Thanks to the Archdiocese of Newark Discovering Christ Training Conference, the parishes below are either currently running the experience or still in the planning stages. It is our hope that many more parishes choose to offer this experience to their parishioners during the Year of Faith The Office for Evangelization is dedicated to assisting parishes in this endeavor. Please contact the office at our new email address at [email protected]
Nicene Creed
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit
was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy,
catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
http://old.usccb.org/romanmissal/samples-people.shtml
Our Catholic Identity
Page 12
The Vine
Our Catholic Identity
Last year, members of the Evangelization Commission suggested how helpful it would be if there could be found in one place all the Archdiocesan information about parishes that is currently received by a variety of departments, while also being able to see what ministries, groups, organizations, and committees a parish has to offer, and what the contact information for each of these might be. This could be very helpful for various departments of the chancery, particularly in the Vicariate for Pastoral Life and the Offices of Schools and Catechetics, when planning programs or preparing to make a parish visitation. A Parish Profile subcommittee with representation from the Commission, along with the offices of Research and Planning, Schools, Catechetics, Pastoral Life, Clergy Personnel, and I.T. was formed. After having discussed what uses the profile might serve, Bishop da Cunha provided subcommittee Chair, Msgr. Richard Arnhols, with a parish sample from one of the New Energies reports he had received. Over the next several months, members met with Jack Meister from I.T. to review, enhance, and modify the parameters of the profile, keeping always in mind ease of navigation for pastors or those whom they would delegate to check and update their parish's profile. In August, the Profile site was added to the Archdiocesan Apps which pastors have begun to use for other purposes, such as Directory and Almanac and Archbishop's Annual Appeal reports. Over the first month and a half, about 65 parishes had logged in and reviewed or updated information. Their questions also have helped to make some adjust-ments to the app for even greater clarity and usefulness, and a new out-reach to pastors to begin to use or to recheck their parish data will soon be made after the next subcommittee meeting. Appropriate department heads will then be gathered to show them the types of information that would be available, and solicit responses from them on the types of reports they might need. Eventually, this will also be the sole means necessary by which the pastors can report data to departments which currently collect it independently, eliminating redundancy.
Article submitted by Msgr. Richard J. Arnhols Vicar for Pastoral Life
Member, Evangelization Commission
Parish Profile Partnership
Page 13
Volume 3 Issue 3
Archdiocese of Newark Office For Evangelization
171 Clifton Avenue PO Box 9500
Newark, NJ 07104-0500
Phone: 973-497-4353 Fax: 973-497- 4317
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rcan.org/evangelization
Facebook: OfficeforEvangelization
The Office for Evangelization serves as a resource for programs, courses, workshops, and consultations intended to
complement and enhance the evangelizing efforts in the Archdiocese of Newark.
MISSION STATEMENT
Most Reverend Edgar da Cunha Vicar for Evangelization
Liliana Soto-Cabrera Coordinator for Evangelization
Maureen Srinivasa Ministry Assistant
If you would like to be added to our Evangelization mailing list for Events, Newsletters and much more, please complete the form below
and mail to the address provided.
NAME: ADDRESS:
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE: EMAIL : TELEPHONE:
Facebook:
Mail completed form to: Archdiocese of Newark Office of Pastoral Life
Marissa Espinosa 171 Clifton Avenue
Newark, New Jersey 07104
Mailing List Request