Fishing with Nets, Fishing with Poles: Putting the New Evangelization into Practice.
Did you miss today's webinar? View the recording here.

I always enjoy Loreen's webinars. She can relate to each of us on the journey because she has worked and volunteered at every level of parish and diocesan life. She always begins her webinars with her breathing prayer, a small form of meditation that is much needed in today's busy world. 

The BEST part about today's webinar was Loreen's honesty. I just loved when she said: "Now, before we look at how we're going to reach these folks, there is an important question that you have to answer...do you really want them?" She described a potential new parishioner who may not speak your language or who may have rambunctious kids or who may take your seat at mass. Take a good hard look at yourself and realize that if this person hears your evangelization call they may actually show up at mass! They may actually participate in the parish life. If you bring them in and then make it clear you don't really want them, then you will have done more bad than good.
We are in the business of saving souls. Not only perfect and ready to go to heaven souls. We're saving all souls. No matter what language, how their kids act or where they sit at mass. 

Got it? 

Another point Loreen made that I loved was something Pope Francis warned:
Any fisherman knows you cannot force a fish to jump on your boat. Same thing with evangelization. We cannot bribe people into our faith. Read Jimmy Akin's take on this here.

Pope Francis asks us to practice the Art of Attraction. In his book, The Joy of the Gospel, he shares:

 "Goodness always tends to spread. Every authentic experience of truth and goodness seeks by its very nature to grow within us...As it expands, goodness takes root and develops. If we wish to lead a dignified and fulfilling life, we have to reach out to others and seek their good." 

How are we living that would attract someone to our faith? Is our daily lifestyle attractive to those seeking Jesus?

My measure for this is, if people at my work don't know I'm Catholic then I'm doing something wrong.

This may include:

• wearing a crucifix (not a cross, a crucifix)
• having a bible verse on your desk, coffee cup, cubical, delivery truck, etc.
• praying before you eat lunch
• praying for your boss
• praying for your clients
• praying for your co-workers
• having a bible in your office
• having a crucifex in your office

I will never forget the day my lead manager (at my previous place of employment), a very outspoken lady asked me in front of other co-workers: "Rachel, what religion are you?" That was the moment I realized I was living my faith at work. That I was an active example of our faith. That I was (maybe?) a role model to my team only because I had Jesus as my role model. It was also the moment that I realized God was calling me to bigger and better things. I told her I was Catholic. And a few months later I quit and began working for the Bishop of Lubbock. 

Remember my blog post, How does God speak to you, well that day he spoke to me through Linda. 

I'm anxious to hear your reflections on this September. If you haven't seen the webinar, watch the recording and let me know your thoughts!