Catholic Evangelization

 

In keeping with the foundational principles of evangelization, our objectives are to assist in the proclamation of the gospel (to all people), and to build up the Body of Christ.

Not only are the benefits of effective evangelizing incalculable, but we also find that the very act increases our own faith; and, as an added bonus, there are subsequent rises in the number of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.

We need effective action. We have the choice between closing churches and dwindling resources, or evangelization and increased stewardship.

Let's fill the churches, then build some more!

Evangelizing is our most important task; especially in this time of tepidity.

When Catholics retreat, the devil advances.

You have to be ALL in.
In the Bible (Rom. 12:11 N.A.B.) we are told halfhearted commitment to the faith is nauseating to Christ:

‟...So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.‟  (Rev 3:16 N.A.B.)

For the essentials, we recommend: baptism, knowledge of scripture, prayer, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and an introductory book on apologetics.
The Sacrament of Confirmation:
The Effects of Confirmation, CCC, 1303: “It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.”

"I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" (Luke 12:49 N.A.B.)

Here are some ways we can evangelize as well as promote the faith:

• If you feel compelled or believe that it is necessary to evangelize; that is the Holy Spirit urging you. The Spirit of Truth. No need to be a priest or to get a PhD in evangelization.
• Pray: it is important to pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance, to know God's will, to deepen our faith, and for the conversion of others. Remember that our Blessed Mother and the other saints and angels intercede for us, and that prayers for evangelization are always heard in heaven. Don't forget your parish's patron saint or your own guardian angel. And also remember to pray for those who are about to die and on their way to eternal damnation, and for the Christians who are being persecuted all over the world each and every day. Pray for the Pope and his intentions, and PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY EVERYDAY!!!! Pray this prayer (with humility and confidence) on behalf of poor sinners for the grace of conversion: "O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You." (Diary of Sr. Faustina, 1186-1187)  Form prayer groups and join a Rosary Confraternity. We are at war, so establish your war room and pray like your life depends on it... because... it does. Prayer is our big advantage over the enemies of Christ. And it is our duty as Christians to pray for non-believers.
  "First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as ransom for all." (1 Timothy 2:1-6 N.A.B.)
  Ever notice that God often uses the lowly to change the hearts of the masses. And it is awe-inspiring. We, on the other hand, are are more likely to effect change (with the help of the Holy Spirit) by changing the hearts of leaders, who then change the minds of the masses. God - at times from the bottom up; We - top down. Try to convert leaders of other faiths - intellectual and cultural leaders, as well as celebrities, and captains of industry. Pray for them. The top-down effect is also crucially important in the Church. Bishops need to set the example and the tone for evangelization within the archdiocese. Holy bishops who follow the true teachings of the Church and fervently believe we are in a life and death struggle - will lead well.
  "Catechists should have an intense prayer life. That is the basis for every successful campaign of evangelization", say Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. (THE ROSARY "The Little Suma")
  "I can't stop praying for poor sinners who are on the road to hell. If they come to die in that state, they will be lost for all eternity. What a pity! We have to pray for sinners! Praying for sinners is the most beautiful and useful of prayers because the just are on the way to heaven, the souls of purgatory are sure to enter there, but the poor sinners will be lost forever. All devotions are good but there is no better one than such prayer for sinners."  St. John Vianney
  And why engage in spiritual works of mercy such as instructing the ignorant? Because, as Jeffrey Kuhner of the Washington Times explains, "Tens of millions of unborn babies have been slaughtered; illegitimacy rates have soared; divorce has skyrocketed; pornography is rampant; drug use has exploded; sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS have killed millions; birth control is a way of life; sex outside of wedlock has become the norm; countless children have been permanently damaged - their innocence lost forever - because of the proliferation of broken homes; and sodomy and homosexuality are celebrated openly. America has become the new Babylon"
  It is well known, that when we pray, we change the course of history.
  And for the love of HIM, pray before you decide to implement programs that will bear no fruit. Pray, listen and wait for a response. Quiet your ego. This is not about you; it is about what God wants you to do. So, if you rush in and develop your own evangelization plans without praying, don't be surprised if it doesn't bear fruit.
• How to bring loved ones back to the church: 1. offer a mass for that intention; 2. pray for them; 3. leave prayer cards/books in obvious places for them; 4. talk and LISTEN to them about the faith.

"If it were true that God only heard the prayers of those in a state of grace it would follow that people in a state of mortal sin should not pray at all. This is an erroneous teaching which as been condemned by Holy Mother Church, because of course sinners need to pray far more than good people do."  (The Secret of the Rosary - St. Louis De Montfort)

• Get your priorities straight, and share it with others:
  1. Heaven. Think about Heaven on a daily basis because that is where you want to go;
  2. Having a personal relationship with Jesus, so that this our exile, will be easier, even in the midst of troubles (if we stay close to Him). Yes, even Catholics are supposed to companion with Jesus, who is our Lord, our brother, and our best friend, throughout each and every day. The saints knew how to do this, and you easily can too. Catholic author Gary Zimak wrote a book, "Find A Real Friend In Jesus - 10 Easy Steps". A good resource for you. You can't get to Heaven without first going through Jesus. Get in the routine of mental prayer everyday.
• Go to Confession regularly and just before your mission.
• Signs and Miracles. NO OTHER RELIGION HAS THEM! THAT IS HOW WE KNOW FOR SURE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD. YES, WE KNOW THIS BY FAITH, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE EASILY PROVEN. THIS NEEDS REPEATING: IT CAN EASILY BE PROVEN, AND IT HAS, OVER AND OVER...!!! YES, OUR FAITH CAN BE SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN!
  IT'S ALRIGHT, YOU DON'T HAVE TO FEEL GUILTY IN USING THEM TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH. We put signs and miracles near the top because it is what converted millions in Mexico within a relatively short time, and other places. Talk about and promote them. Distribute images and information about them. God gave them to us for a reason. So why are we not using them more? Well we know the devil hates them and does everything he can to dissuade us from using them. SIGNS, MIRACLES, APPARITIONS, AND THE SUPERNATURAL IS WHAT TRULY SETS OUR RICH CATHOLIC FAITH APART FROM ALL OTHERS. WE HAVE TO BE BONKERS NOT TO USE THEM!!! AND IF YOU THINK THE SUPERNATURAL IS NOT IMPORTANT TO STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH, WHAT ABOUT THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD IN ANTICIPATION OF HIS PASSION? ("Christ's Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles' faith in anticipation of his Passion: the ascent on to the 'high mountain' prepares for the ascent to Calvary." (CCC, 568)).
  Our Lady of Guadalupe is the actual image of the face of the Mother of God given to us by God! Wow!!!
• Catholics have amazing weapons such as the Sacraments, and Sacramentals such as the Holy Rosary and the Brown Scapular for the battle. We also have: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, Our Blessed Mother, our very own Guardian Angel who has picked us to help us get to Heaven!, the entire 9 Choirs of Angels, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the Divine Mercy, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Fatima, the Miraculous Medal, Lourdes etc. etc. etc. etc. The most amazing theophany (showing of God) in modern times took place in Fatima, Portugal on October 13, 1917. Let's milk these for all they offer, then milk them some more!!
  So why are we tiptoeing around, scared that we might offend someone? Why do Catholics yield to idolators? Why are so many Catholic idolators themselves? God loves us so very much, but most Catholics have abandoned their faith, and many others are tepid.

"To think you can acquire or maintain faith without DAILY prayer, would be like a person thinking she could win at the olympics without training, or, thinking he could cross a vast desert on foot without any water." (mdbys.com)

• Queen of Evangelization - the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven and Earth, is also the Queen of Evangelization. God gave the whole world the miraculous such as the miracle at Fatima and Our Lady of Guadalupe (and many, many more) to convert others. It's that simple. Let's take the blinders off and promote them. No need to try and re-invent the wheel.

"Why does the Holy Father choose this particular Gospel reading (Lk 5:1-11) as the basis for his new millennium master plan? Because Peter's words -  'We've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything' - could not speak any more directly to the modern tsunami-like wave of secularism rolling across our planet, as well as our endless parade of parish programs that are mostly done as though God were not there (etsi Deus non daretur)." Father Richard Heilman

• Stop worrying about how you may appear or if you might hurt someone's feelings when you evangelize. Be Bold. What's more important: keeping your mouth shut and letting someone slip off to hell, or planting the seed of salvation? It could be that the only Christian contact with that person may be you, or it could have been your mission to preach to that particular person, and no one else is coming behind you. Not opening your mouth to proclaim the truth and possibly converting them or at least planting the seed within them may be lost for that soul.
  Think of your Lord and Saviour dying on the cross. Really imagine and meditate on it: the excruciating pain; the spikes through His hands and feet; the deep wounds and lacerations all over His body; the bruising from being hit over and over again; think of Him being spit on; whipped, scourged; thorns pressed into His skull and blood trickling into His eyes; see Him having to carry a heavy cross while barely able to stand; the complete exhaustion; the unimaginable pain!; the enormous loss of blood; the dehydration; the abandonment; the humuliation; the rejection; and the knowledge that His own mother had to watch him being tortured! Jesus allowed himself to be crucified, which was considered the most shameful and degrading way to die. Those condemned to this type of death would rather take their own lives than to have it done to them.
  Meditate more on His Passion, and remember, He endured this for everyone; no exception, and not for us to remain quiet like scared little children. Remember, the trend right now is Catholics becoming more and more tepid and indifferent. You don't have to be that way! Much of the world bitterly opposes Christ, or is indifferent to Him*. "Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven" (CCC, 618). Christ suffered and died for EVERY human being (no exception).
  And why be bold and confident? Because, as Cardinal Burke states in The Declation of the Truths, “The religion born of faith in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God and the only Savior of humankind, is the only religion positively willed by God.”

"The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2:14)
"Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, but stands in a lava waste, a salt land and empty earth" (Jer 17:5-6)

• Some ways to increase our own faith - pray everyday and throughout the day (especially pray the Holy Rosary everyday) and include mental prayer (loving God through dialogue, meditating on God's word, being conscious of His continual presence, contemplation of His Face etc.); thank and praise Him constantly (thank Him for your very existence, and also thank Him for trials and heartaches - because anyone can thank Him when times are good); humble yourself (tell Him how worthless and insignificant you are - because in comparison to him, you are!); at the very least, obey the precepts of the Church as outlined in the CCC; show mercy toward your neighbor by deed, word, and praryer; evangelize (the very act of evangelizing increases our own faith); make sacrifices; read the Bible; love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself; God wants to know that our first priority is Him (above all else): "When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jer 29:12-13 N.A.B.). You have to know the context of this text. God (through His prophet Jeremiah), is warning the exiles (His own people who were crying out to Him) from Babylon, that if you are looking for me and want My help, you better get serious and want Me more than life itself.
  We are taught that we must be fiercely independent, but did you know that Jesus wants you to depend on Him, always and everywhere. Quite a departure from what you were taught, or are used to, isn't it?

"In eschatology, we are told that the devil will come in those final years and fool most people. But how you may ask? Watching the media (his minions) over the past number of years, their views, and the resulting opinions about Trump, it is clear how easily the deception of satan will be, when that time comes." (mdbys.com)

• Self Mortification - voluntary penances. Making small sacrifices for evangelization's sake and for the conversion of others is very important! Fasting by skipping meals, going without your daily coffee, remove some daily comfort, put a nickle or small pebble in your shoe, sleep on a board, take a short cold shower in the morning instead of your usual hot one, swallow your pride in certain situations, wear a hair shirt or sackcloth under your garments and next to your skin. Choose ones that are appropriate for your condition or state in life - all the while working to mortify our own passions and to extinguish our own perverse attachments to persons, places and things. Remember: it is only the faithful on earth who can make sacrifices - souls in heaven and in purgatory cannot.
  "If we would possess Wisdom, we must mortify the body, not only by enduring patiently our bodily ailments, the inconveniences of the weather and the difficulties arising from other people's actions, but also by deliberately undertaking some penances and mortifications, such as fasts, vigils and other austerities practised by holy penitents.... The world does and says everything possible to deter people from practising the austerities of the saints." (St. Louis de Montfort)
  “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,18so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." (Matthew 6:16-18 N.A.B.)
  Penance and sacrafice runs at a 180°, and counter to most of the messages and comments we hear everyday in this world. But will you walk the narrow path to greatness? Suffering and weakness is the path to greatness. Now, do you ever think you'll hear that on primetime TV? On EWTN you will. Do you ever think your friends will ever state those words? What about your parents? Very, very few!
  Did you know that by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, you are offering the sacrifice of the Divinized Humanity of Christ to the Father for the whole world.

"Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me because of the abundance of the revelations. Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:6-10, N.A.B.)

"This dramatic situation of "the whole world [which] is in the power of the evil one" makes man's life a battle: The whole of man's history has been the story of dour combat with the powers of evil, stretching, so our Lord tells us, from the very dawn of history until the last day. Finding himself in the midst of the battlefield man has to struggle to do what is right, and it is at great cost to himself, and aided by God's grace, that he succeeds in achieving his own inner integrity." (CCC 409)

• SIMPLY ASK PEOPLE IF THEY WANT TO JOIN YOUR CATHOLIC CHURCH. Why not? It's that simple. Isn't that what less important organizations do? They simply ask people if they want to join. No need to complicate it. Don't worry, they won't crumble. Make up business cards with your parish's info on it.

"Our entire life is in preparation for a brief encounter we will have at the instant of our death." (mdbys.com)

• Repeat over and over that the Roman Catholic Church is welcoming to EVERYBODY. No person will be excluded from joining, because: the Roman Catholic Church is the Universal Church and is EVERYBODY'S birthright! God wills it.
• Respect others - try hard not to offend them (which is not always possible), and be an example of grace and charity... thereby not giving your detractors any ammunition. Talking about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is always done out of love and concern for others: we care enough about them to not want them to go to hell. But don't be shy either. Be willing to share your faith at the appropriate time with anyone - but know that faith takes time to develop in others (we cannot control that process), and that like sowers of seed, not all seed will fall on fertile soil (we cannot control that either). We have to give up control, and trust in the Holy Spirit. He loves us, and He is truly with us in all our evangelization efforts. Realize that evangelization is our most important duty, and that we are never alone in our evangelization efforts. Evangelize and you'll quickly get Heaven's attention.
  We don't condemn others for their ignorance either. By the Grace of God, there go I.  Remind yourself that people are doing the best they can. Even the pagan is worshipping shrines and idols because of their awareness of the divine. And don't we have our own idols as well?
• Mary and Islam: If Mary is the most honored woman in Islam, Muslims have to believe she is the Mother of God, or else believe she is a crazy woman who believes she is the Mother of God. They can't have it both ways.
• You'll also get the devil's attention once you start praying and evangelizing. "For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens." (Ephesians 6:12 N.A.B.) It is the ultimate struggle between good and evil playing out right now in our time! Not even a Hollywood director could fatham or imagine what is really going on! Unfortunately, society and pop culture has dramatized, mocked, diluted and discounted the TRUTH. It is very sad, also, that many people look to Hollywood for their spiritual direction. Tragic.
• Another reason not to be too nice is because the devil doesn't play by the rules. He is working hard to destroy you. He wants you to go to hell! Chaos is the name of the game for him, as well as the forfeiting of everyone's soul. He accomplishes this in subtle ways, but which can be detected if you pay attention: he tries to erode your faith; he'll create doubt; he'll go after the clergy with a vengence; he'll try to give us a sense of "this is all there is"; he'll perpetuate the myth that he does not exist; he'll pin brother against brother; he'll try to confuse you and obfuscate the truth; he'll play upon your sympathies to make you vulnerable; he'll try to break up your family; he'll try to tempt you; he'll try to sway your opinions and attitudes in an attempt to loosen morals and create apathy. The forces of evil are working extremely hard right now - organizing, campaigning, fundraising, recruiting, electing, strategizing, gathering, rallying and planning - against you and your loved ones! Do you know the devil's tactics? You'll have to become familiar with them. He knows you and he wants you to burn... for all eternity. Indifference, bitterness and tepidness are some of the devil's allies.
  And according to the Church Militant Field Manual, the devil uses these two tactics: 1. Cut us off from our supply lines (God's Supernatural Grace, at which the very mention makes the tepid's eyes glaze over); and, 2. Divide and conquer (we need to maintain unity, clarity and harmony).
  The devil also likes to deceive. And who better to deceive than the media. Most of them do his bidding. The deceiver is working hard to drag you, your children, your wife, your husband, your mother, your father, your brother, your sister, and your neighbors TO HELL!
  WMD's - everybody has heard of Weapons of Mass Destruction, but what about WFD's? (Weapons of Fast Destruction) - the World, the Flesh and the Devil. Welcome, you are on the battlefield.
  The devil is more organized and driven than you and me. He has a game plan for every situation and he knows how to execute it. His minions are busy at this very moment. We have to put on the armor of the Lord. We can't resist or fight him on our own.
  I encourage you to read Matt Walsh's article, "Christians In The East Lose Their Lives, But Christians In The West Are Losing Their Souls".
  The enemies of the Church grow stronger, so it is better to enter the spiritual battle now, rather than later.  Pope Leo XIII says the Christian is “born for combat".  (Sapientiae Christianae, 1890). Do you think that by being nice to the devil and the enemies of the Church, you will appease them, or they'll return the kindness? WRONG! It will only embolden them. They want to destroy you and the Church. Whether you like it, or know it, you are at war as long as you shall live. So don't get too comfortable in your cozy little strifeless life. We are soldiers here on earth for but a blink of an eye, compared to eternity - in heaven or hell.
  
  "When our loved ones are "dead in sin," they are not only separated from God, but they lose their desire to seek God. Some become so far removed from God that they find repulsive all things spiritual. So, prayer, Holy Mass, spiritual reading, etc. all become boring and, to some, even detestable when they are dead inside: no Divine Life. They are, quite literally, caught behind enemy lines (imprisoned in their worldliness) with no way out unless some campaign of search and rescue is launched." Church Militant Field Manual
  
  The Divine Mercy tells us that when we praise Jesus' goodness, satan trembles before it and flees to the very bottom of hell.” (Diary 378)
  Proclaim to the whole world Jesus' unfathomable, inexhaustible, and incomprehensible love and mercy for those who trust in Him. Be an apostle of Divine Mercy. In these latter days, we are living in the time of mercy; after mercy comes Justice. Show mercy towards others in word, deed, and prayer. Jesus, I Trust in You!
  Our Lord to Sister Faustina: “To priests who proclaim and extol My mercy, I will give wondrous power; I will anoint their words and touch the hearts of those to whom they will speak.” (Diary, 1521)
  Churches need to display large images of the Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patroness of the Americas) OUTSIDE and inside the parish. The Divine Mercy image is a powerful reminder of the unfathomable, incomprehensible mercy of the true God. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the only known, actual image of the face of the Mother of God! Suggestions might be: teardrop banners, feather flags, images on LED church signs etc. The devil hates these blessed images and heavenly conduits and portals to Heaven. Just as a ouija board and other sources of evil are doorways to hell, so much more is the Divine Mercy a conduit and portal to Heaven. Do you know what your kids are doing?
• Just to be perfectly clear Canada, and the U.S., Our Lady of Guadalupe is Patroness of your countries, as well as every other country in North, Central and South America. So let's work hard to inform others of this, and to use the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother and Queen of Heaven and Earth to convert others.
  
• Remind people that the abuse scandal was perpetrated by men. The Church will always remain Holy, so people should not equate the actions of mere mortals, to that of God. It was the work of the devil, who is always prowling around, looking for those he can corrupt. What better victims than the clergy, and the vulnerable innocent who trust them? The abhorrent actions of a few, may now make the remaining shepherds feel guilty. Fear not; don't tiptoe around - carry out your duties (which include evangelization) with more zeal. The devil is counting on the clergy to become apathetic, tepid, and fearful. Don't let the devil win. And if people blame God for this, are they then letting people off the hook? Are they angry because of God's great gift to us - free will... to choice do evil or to do good?

"With hatred, indifference, and the nauseating tepidness towards the faith, I am mildly martryed everyday." (mdbys.com)

• Donald Trump. Yes, the devil (and CNN) is hard at it, trying to depose President Trump. But did you know that Trump has done more for Christians than any other President in recent memory? And you like Christians right? Well, get behind your President and fight back against the media. Many Christian groups wholeheartedly support President Trump. "Perhaps you have come to the throne for just such a time as this." (Est 4:14, NJB)
• Speaking of fake news: with all the lies, misinterpretations, misconceptions, distortions, myths, fabrications and deceptions about Catholism, people really owe it to themselves to find the real truth. Read: The Real Story of Catholic History: Answering Twenty Centuries of Anti-Catholic Myths by Steve Weidenkopf.
  PARSNIPS - we like to think of many news agencies as parsnips because they unfairly parse Trump's words, and take snippets of it, to work it to their own ends, which of course is their left wing, liberal, atheist, evil socialist agenda.
  TWITTER - why does President Trump use Twitter? Because social media is the only place where he can get his message out (if people took the time to read it entirely and without the criticism of the parsnips). The media won't allow him to have a fair unparsnipped voice, and without criticizing him. And, the media still acts like parsnips towards him with Twitter and other social media. He can't win with the media. For intstance, you might as well call CNN, the "We're Trying to Impeach Trump News Agency".
  He can't win with the media. At the beginning of his presidency, he is accused of being a trouble maker and war mongerer. He surprisingly reaches out to Kim Jong-un, something previous presidents didn't do with him or his father. Trump is then criticized by the media as being too cozy with him.
  Actually, Trump has done a lot of amazing things as President and accomplished what other Presidents couldn't or didn't do. His courage and willingness to protect the unborn, surpasses all other presidents.
  You know, it is ironic. The liberals with their socialist agenda where everybody is taken care of, doesn't care at all about our most vulnerable, precious gift - the unborn.
  The media
• Political Correctness is not truth. Yes, we should be tolerant, but not at the expense of the truth. The truth is: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And as John 14:6 states: He is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. Political correctness, not stating the truth for fear that it might offend someone, is a tactic of the devil. It pushes the evil socialist, liberal agenda that moves us away from God, freedom and democracy. The constant push towards more and more politcial correctness in our society is not by accident; it began many years ago. Remember, the devil's minions are more organized than we are. Political correctness plays right into the hands of the devil. I encourage you to watch the docudrama: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (YouTube)

"The liberal agenda is to lull you straight to hell." mdbys.com

"But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion...." Saint Mother Teresa

"The devil loves liberal, politically correct, easily offended snowflakes."  mdbys.com

• CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION - Christians are persecuted more than any other group. Of all the persecution throughout the entire world, Christians account for 75% of those being persecuted. (source: Voice of the Martyrs)
  In this, the 21st century, the Pope emphatically states: "More Persecuted Christians Today Than Ever Before".
  If anybody should be garnering sympathy, it should be Christians. C'mon, the devil is winning public perception, and that is due partly to misplaced sympathy, political correctness, and lack of knowledge.
  "...it is Christians who frequently endure the heaviest burden of persecution. Indeed around the world, Christians are believed to be targets of about 80% of all acts of religious discrimination or persecution." (source: Jeremy Hunt - British Foreign Secretary)
  11 CHRISTIANS KILLED EVERY HOUR - At least 100,000 Christians are killed every year because of their faith, which amounts to 273 per day, or ELEVEN EVERY HOUR.  (source: Bishop John McAreavey)
  AS MENTIONED, SURELY THIS GARNERS SYMPATHY. YOU KNOW THE DEVIL CAN USE THE SYMPATHY CARD VERY WELL FOR CERTAIN GROUPS, BUT IT IS NOT TRUTH. THE TRUTH IS, (JUSTIN TRUDEAU AND OTHER LEFTWING LIBERALS), THAT CHRISTIANS ARE FAR MORE PERSECUTED THAN ANY OTHER GROUP ON EARTH. AND THAT'S REAL!
  
• The decisive battle. Yes, the battlelines are being drawn. The devil's minions who oppose the Catholic Church are many including Liberalism aka Socialism aka Marxism aka the Left aka Democrats (who also control/influence the mainstream media, education and many other institutions. Your liberal heroes like Saul Alinsky, Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and others all were convinced that they would go to hell when they died. They knew they were opposing God. Now, is that what you want for your children and grandchildren?

MARXIST MODEL → CRITICAL THEORY (incite conflict) → POLITICAL CORRECTNESS (one of the many marxist strategies that aims to bring down democracy) → SOCIALISM → ANTI-RELIGION, ULTIMATELY LEAD TO LESS FREEDOMS, → COMMUNISM. YOU MUST KNOW THAT SOCIALISM IS IN OPPOSITION TO GOD. YES, IT IS AGAINST GOD. SOCIALISM IS A FLUFFY TERM FOR COMMUNISM.

"Are you worried about infidels (children of the darkness) taking over your country? Get enough of your countrymen to pray the Holy Rosary on a continuous basis and you will defeat them. The Holy Rosary is the spiritual weapon of our time according to Saint Padre Pio." (mdbys.com)

Archbishop Vigano-open-letter-to-the-president-children-of-light-vs-children-of-darkness

"The reason that Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart."  - Thomas Jefferson

• To the enemies of the Church, ask them: Do you really think that the drama playing out (as real as it is, and beyond - even the imagination of any Hollywood director), would have the victors up (instead of - on the ropes, as it is now) before the final climax? No, of course not.
• There is an unwritten, but universal sentiment that Catholics should not evangelize. Sometimes this is outwardly expressed by some in authority (or twisted by the media). But this is preposterous thinking, especially in light of the fact that the Catholic Church is the only church founded by God! WE SHOULD BE SCREAMING THE GOOD NEWS FROM THE MOUNTAINTOPS (and yes, on street corners as well). I'd say on the internet too, but there is no shortage of them with this soft (but needed) approach. But remember: Jesus went out to the people.
• We are His arms, legs and tongue in the world. For the love of Him, use your members; that was what you were made for!
• We evangelize by telling people the truth (plain and simple), without being tied to the outcome.

"I have a general and a specific mission. My specifice mission has me, as Mother Angelica had put it, doing the seemingly ridiculous, so that God will do the miraculous. Is my message for everybody? Yes. But I know that what I do is for that one person, possibly a future saint, who, by the Grace of God, will receive the message and rise up and change the world." (mdbys.com)

• Go where He wants you. Do what He wants you to do."We are at Jesus' disposal. If he wants you to be sick in bed, if he wants you to proclaim his work in the street, if he wants you to clean the toilets all day, that's all right, everything is all right. We must say, 'I belong to you. you can do whatever you like.' And this is our strength. This is the joy of the Lord." -Mother Teresa
• Proclaim the gospel with joy (one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit). Joy: In spiritual literature, the feeling aroused by the expectation or possession of some good (M.C.D.)
• Whatever approach we use, or whatever our mission is, we must continually keep our egos in check. It is human nature to think we are doing great and noble work etc. But in reality, nothing in regards to evangeilzation bears any fruit without the help of the Holy Spirit.

"The devil is very smart in knowing that he can push, but not too hard or too fast at once. He knows that if he wakes that one person, that certain man or woman out of their slumber, that one person may wake up and set the world on fire." mdbys.com

"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze!" -St. Catherine of Siena

“Enemy-occupied territory---that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.” -C.S. Lewis

• "Charity is no substitute for justice withheld". (St. Augustine). Catholic365.com says that according to the CCC, countries have a duty to protect their indigenous population and culture. They explain, that in the name of "charity", countries let in millions of people without vetting them, or protecting the indigenous population's livelihoods, culture, economy, and physical security. They go on to say that this encourages strife in all the aforementioned areas due to an unchecked immigration policy. Furthermore, they state, this is because the leadership in both public and religious life led the population into the false belief that blind charity and science can replace justice. Unfortunately, many clergy make the mistake that St. Augustine warns us about. And many Catholics have taken a liberal stance. Even the Divine Mercy of God is balanced with His justice.
• Speaking about changing attitudes, take primetime TV for example. An obvious show is "Lucifer". A charming character with a British accent who helps others, and has a conscience. That doesn't sound like the devil to me, but it is good P.R. for him. The show "Imaginary Mary" is a little less obvious. Mary is the most popular female name in the world, and when you think of Mary, what person comes to mind? And when you place the word "imaginary" in front of this person's name, it would appear to me that someone is trying to discount the Mother of God, and the blessed and supernatural acts that God has done through her. There is also a show called "Mary Kills People" about a doctor named Mary euthanizing people. NCIS Log Angelos' LL Cool J disparaged our Lord (and openly and routinely promotes another religion). Chicago Fire painting Catholics as bigots and hypocrites and scandalizing the Holy Rosary. Chicago PD mentions in the same breath that the person involved with the abduction and murdering of children has something to do with the Pro-Life Movement. The trailer for the sitcom, "The Guest Book", has a character admitting, "I still believe in love", and in the next clip, a stripper is pole dancing and sarcastically states, "I also believe in Jesus and ghosts". Molly of the former tv show, "Mike and Molly", routinely promoted athiesm (reruns are still on primetime).  And many other primetime shows disparage Christians while propping up the devil. It appears that primetime is in opposition to God. Please write to the producers (and pray for them - especially for their conversion). Primetime, from news, to sitcoms, and dramas, etc., has got the signature of the devil all over them. This is also includes the many shows and documentaries (that includes you PBS) that attempt to contiually dredge up past wrongs which cause resentment, anger, hostility, and DIVISION.
  Just because an actor or T.V. personality states something on T.V. or YouTube, doesn't necessarily make it right or true or cool. Our ultimate role model is Jesus Christ, who descended to us to reveal the path to eternal life. You can also be assured that anyone out to glorify him or herself in this life, is most often, an enemy of the cross.
  And what about the cartoon "Jimmy Two-Shoes" directed towards older children. He’s a kid who lives in the town of Miseryville, which is under the control of Lucius Heinous VII (portrayed as devil-like creature). The abyss of nothingness is a vast black hole filled with misery and despair from which no one can escape. Sound familiar to anyone? Well, there is a lot more like that directed towards children and youth.
  The devil has also managed to popularize minions (devil's helpers) with a movie with the same name. Actually, the other day, I drove by a Protestant church with a sign out front indicating they were showing the movie. And if that wasn't bad enough, this year, for the first time, I see minions dressed up as Santa. Wow!! But isn't it interesting, in this age where the devil has so many recruits (minions) and on the hunt for more, that he has managed to trivialize, popularize, endear them to us and make them a household craze! A minion in every household with kids, but what about The Divine Mercy Image or Our Lady of Guadalupe? Why not a movie about our beloved angels? Why are we making the devil's job so easy?
  The 2016 movie: Legend of Tarzan, in which the main villain is a Catholic who kills people by strangling them with.... you guessed it: the Holy Rosary.
  It is also scary, but a sign of the times to see so many shows promoting the occult, divination, witchcraft... etc.
  The mainstream news media is, for the most part, libertal and atheistic. They are also in a sense, spiritually co-dependant, in that they focus on other ideologies, to the detriment of their own Christian religion. Christianity is the foundation of western civilization. Without it, western civilization begins to unravel and disintegrate. "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country." - Calvin Coolidge
  Robert George of Princeton University states in an interview with Lauren Ashburn on October 24, 2018, that the media violenty objects to the Church's teachings, especially on sexuality, marriage, and the sanctity of life. He goes on to say that Jesus will be with His Church always, and that our faith is in Jesus, and not in any particular human being, priest, bishop or even pope.
  It is obvious that pretty well everything you watch on TV or at the movies, runs counter to our faith and is another distraction to keep us from focusing on God. Our western society that was built on Christian values is becoming more and more anti-Christian. Something has come in to fill the void. Tell people - that although they may openly despise our Lord and Savior, or they may be indifferent to Him, the fact is: if our country no longer accepts that it is a Christian country, it will become something else. It is moving towards something else: Communism, Socialism, an Islamic State, or a Dictatorship... And herein lies the irony: God gives us free will, but if we don't choose wisely, in the end, we may lose all our freedoms. But more importantly, we put our souls in peril because the choice to follow Christ (or turn back to Him) becomes more challenging for the masses in a restrictive, non-democratic country.
  And isn't it ironical that Socialist/Communist and other Dictatorial governments often begin when people complain they want more freedom to choose. That they don't want the Church or God telling them what they should or should not do. They rebel against God and His Commandments. The people find out soon enough how quick their freedoms are relinquished under these repressive regimes. Not such a good choice after all.
  What people need to understand is that no one has carte blanche to do whatever they want; and more importantly, by rejecting God, they will lose their earthly freedoms, and put their eternal salvation in peril. Life is short, but eternity is forever.
  In actuality, the Christian society is the freest society. The option to choose the true God or not choose Him is taken away from you (or restricted) in most other forms of Government.
  So you think you are choosing freedom when you choose a Liberal, Socialist, Autocratic leader? Think again.

"When we get ready to take the United States, we will not take it under the label of communism; We will not take it under the label of socialism. These labels are unpleasant to the American people, and have been speared too much. We will take the United States under labels we have made very lovable; We'll take it under Liberalism, under Progressivism, under Democracy! But take it we will!" — Alexander Trachtenberg, 1944, Quoted by Bella Dodd in the Early 1950s²

• Companion with Jesus - keep an open dialogue with Jesus. Keep Him in your mind's eye. Jesus is your best friend, and He is your God. We have to become dependent on Jesus. This is counter to what we believe and were taught (that we must be self-reliant).
• Distractions - one of the biggest distractions today are cell phones and other screens. Yes, useful at times, but we are spending far too much time on them. For many (especially the young) it is also an addiction. This major distraction moves us away from God and the spiritual. It cuts off our supply lines to Him. To connect with God, we have to pray by lifting our hearts and minds to God; so our habitual cell phone use (and other distractions) are the antithesis of spirituality. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalms 46:11 N.A.B.)

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me." (2 Cor. 12:9 N.A.B.)

• SOCIAL MEDIA. The addiction to social media, especially among children, is evil. It distracts us, taking away our focus on what is truly important - GOD. Social media distances and often turns off the spiritual life within us.
• HUMILITY - instead of thinking of ourselves as God, let's humble ourselves and worhsip Him instead. The media and liberal politicians will try to convince you that you are God and that you shouldn't have to submit to anyone. They're wrong. Every person permitted into Heaven is humble.
  The devil loves people with big egos. The devil wants you to think of yourself as a God.

"More and more, humble your pride; what awaits mortals is worms." (Sirach 7:17, N.A.B.)

AN INTERCESSOR'S HUMBLE REMINDER  (to be filled, one must first be emptied) Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit: Who am I that I should ask for anything, I am a nobody, an inconsequential, powerless person; I have no authority or influence - not even a bit; I have very, very little to offer; I could absolutely make no meaningful difference on my own because of my insignificance; I am but the lowliest soldier in YOUR army, and should be treated as such. I am nothing! IF YOU CHOOSE LORD JESUS, If YOU choose to do any good through me, It's because YOU often choose the weak and broken; That if YOU choose to bear fruit where I have sown, It's only because YOU are working through the most pitiful and despised; And if YOU choose me for any reason, LORD, It is only because I am one of YOUR least servants.

"When I was left alone with the Blessed Virgin she instructed me in the interior life. She said "The soul's true greatness lies in loving God and in humbling oneself in His presence, completely forgetting oneself and believing oneself to be nothing; because the Lord is great, but He is well-pleased only with the humble; he always opposes the proud." (1711, diary)

• It is time for us to dig in, not become more pleasing and acquiescent to the liberal values of society, as well as the open enemies of our faith.  “Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion, than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were to be in collusion with the Church’s enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith.” (St. Peter Canisius).
  This quote has never been more relevant. Today, many parishes are pandering to parishioners. This will make things worse. What parishioners really need is a parish that will guided by the true teachings of the Catholic Church. We are getting away from that. We need stronger leadership, and not relinquish priestly duties. Making parishioners feel welcome may be important, but being in church every weekend is a necessity. Priests need to tell EVERYONE that not going to Sunday Mass is a mortal sin and they risk hell. It is that simple. Yes, priests feel guilty about the sex abuse scandal, but priests also need to remind EVERYONE that our Lord Jesus started the Catholic Church and He is the one we go to worship; not the priests, not the bishops, not the cardinals, not even the Pope. If we are conscious of Jesus' presence, we will not forget that, especially while we are at mass. So no, the sacred altar is not a time to do our comedy act and make parishioners laugh; it is not a time to let every Tom, Dick or Harriett up on the altar, and it is not a time to glorify ourselves or others. THE MASS IS NOT ABOUT US. Oh, and one more thing: Heaven is a real place, and so is hell. God is a real and so is the devil. Priests need to tell EVERYONE this. They do a disservice by not. Everything boils down to Heaven or hell. Priests also need to remind us of our sinfullness. We've lost our sense of sin, and obedience. Many people, erroneously, make light of hell and trivialize it.
• Confession. The Communion lines are very long, but the Confession lines are very short, as Saint JPII reminded us. But, to be put right with God, we must confess our mortal sins in order to live in a state of grace. Going to communion unworthily may draw the ire of God, and we may possibly be piling on (our sins).
  "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord." (1 Cor. 11:27)
• Talking about our Lord should be as normal as talking about the weather.
• Continually keep the Lord near - in your mind and in your heart to increase your own faith.
• For any parish to be truly successful, the parish priest must be on board with the evangelization efforts of his parishioners. Evangelization works optimally if done: top - down. Encourage church leaders, especially cardinals and bishops to pound the pavement - especially in poorer areas and neighbourhoods. This is what our Lord did, and no servant is greater than his/her master. So what does this mean? It means cardinals and bishops and priests have to be in the trenches.
  If you have clergy on fire with the Spirit, it will transfer to the parishioners. If you have tepid clergy, you get indifferent congregants that are on the way out.
  “Evangelize the poor: this is the mission of Jesus; this is also the mission of the Church, and of all the baptized in the Church. To be a Christian and to be a missionary is the same thing. What does it mean to evangelize the poor? It means to be close to them, to serve them, to free them from oppression, and all this in the name and with the Spirit of Christ, because he is the Gospel of God, he is the mercy of God, and he is the liberation of God.” (source: Pope Francis speaks to the crowd gathered in St. Peter's square on June 15, 2015 - L'Osservatore Romano)
• Use reality: many became fervent in their faith when they realized how bad things are. They had to do something. And things are really, really, really bad now. It's dismal, especially if you set your sights on earth, as opposed to heaven. But then again, on their present course, and without our help, many will spend eternity in hell. Does this sound negative? Too bad - it's reality! Do you know that some priests (and much of the laity) don't even believe in hell, and espouse this erroneous and destructive belief to others. We have to believe in God's mercy, but also in His perfect justice. We choose hell knowlingly or unknowingly, and for those who don't believe in hell, they are more likely to end up there.
  "By the time I entered seminary in the 1980s, we were not offered one minute of Eucharistic Adoration in all of our seminary training. Also, if someone was known to pray the rosary and have a devotion to Our Lady, they were treated as a dangerous fanatic and, either attempts were made to, in essence, deprogram them, or (failing that) they were asked to leave seminary. In those days, hundreds of devout young men never made it through to priesthood, due to this "sifting out" of anyone who actually believed, too strongly, in the supernatural power of God. Leading aggressive progressive figures in the Church seemed to be embarrassed by any belief in the supernatural power of God. Seminary scripture study courses often attempted to explain away miracles in the Bible. Even, to this day, devoted "strong" Catholics are mocked as rigid and fanatical and attempts are made to marginalize them as they are seen as the source of division in the Church today. Focus is placed, instead, on trending liberal themes that placate the radical secular ruling class. One cannot help but think back to the scene with Judas conspiring with the ruling class of his day." (Father Richard Heilman, 2018)
• End Times. To zap parishioners into reality, priests need to warn them that we are in the end times. But how how long it will last, who knows? It is the only time, that we know about, that God actually told us that we are in the end times. The Divine Mercy is actually a message for the end times, Jesus tells Sr. Faustina. That will wake some out the their slumber.
• Homilies - need to implore a sense of urgency and need! Not just because we are in the end times (who knows how long the end times will last), but because the world is growing more tepid and the flames of faith are dying out quickly. Dying because the captive audience that priests have during the mass, need to be stoked like burning embers before they go out. Tell them the truth, not just want you think they want to hear. Light a fire under their butts! The devil is counting on your tepidity. Not all priests are tepid, by many are, which makes parishioners the same way. Thank God for priests though. In the next decade, many churches will either close or not be able to offer mass on a regular basis.
• YOU'RE GOING TO DIE! Pope Saint John Paul II stated, "Contemporary civilisation does all it can to distract human attention from the inescapable reality of death, and tries to induce man to live as though death did not exist, and this is expressed particularly in the attempt to turn man's conscience away from God." (excerpt from: Handbook of Devotion to Divine Mercy)
  I recently heard a homily where the priest reminded us of 3 maxims we need to live by: 1. You can die at any time (life is very short compared to eternity); 2. You're not as important as you think; 3. You have very little control in this life.
• Prepare. We are so caught up in this world doing this, doing that, getting ready for this, getting ready for that, but we don't prepare for the most important meeting of our eternal lives. The moment we die, we enter the Particular Judgement. "...when a soul sees and realizes the gravity of its sins, when the whole abyss of the misery into which it immersed itself is displayed before its eyes, let it not despair, but with trust let it throw itself into the arms of my mercy, as a child into the arms of its beloved mother." (Diary, 1541)
  I'm thinking this will be a time of great terror for most people, myself included ("the misery into which it immersed itself is displayed before its eyes"). And if that weren't totally disheartening for the average sinner like myself, what about the demonic accusations being hurled by the demon at that moment? And in a way, he will be right.
  Will you and me be able to withstand it?
  We know we can't attain Heaven on our own merits; we need the Divine Mercy of Jesus. But, have we been trusting in His Mercy? Have we shown mercy to others through deed, word, and prayer? Did we ever miss Sunday mass or have other sins on our souls that we haven't confessed?
  An important part of evangelization is to remind everyone of this most important upcoming meeting; don't you think?

"Admission into Christ's elite fighting force begins by knowing that by your baptism you have been "commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ to fulfill a most dramatic mission; it is the mission of saving souls. This mission cannot be accomplished without entering into conflict with 'the world, the flesh and the devil.' It is not a mission for the fainthearted or for those who wish to take the wide road to heaven. It is the path of warfare, of spiritual battle."  (excerpt from Church Militant Field Manual)

• Join the Holy League.
• Go out to the people and call them by name - that's how Jesus formed disciples, and it is how we should too. When in doubt, ask yourself, "How did Jesus do it?" That's the test! However, you can use facebook and twitter too (to go viral). But it seems to me there is not enough boots on the ground. Think: "Groundswell". I've heard it said, "If you don't evangelize the world, the world will evangelize you!"ⁱ
  MANY parishes these days, fail in their evangelization efforts for a number of reasons. One mistake is that they focus on the congregrants; essentially - "preaching to the choir". They don't go out to the people (which is what our Lord did), and the priests do not give the congregrants the command and the specific instructions on how to do this. Since the priest is the "C.O." or commanding officer of the parish, it is up to him to dole out commands. They may be too focused on making the parishioners feel appreciated, and not enough focus on the lost sheep who don't go Church on a regular basis, or at all. Take the focus off ourselves, put it on Jesus, and get out there and proclaim the gospel with confidence and humility - to everyone!

"With his deep understanding of the needs of the Church, Pius X often saw things with a most remarkable clarity. An interesting conversation of the Holy Pontiff with a group of Cardinals was reported in the French clerical publication, "L’Ami du Clerge. The Pope asked them: "What is the thing we most need, today, to save society?” "Build Catholic schools,” said one. "No.” "More churches,” said another. "Still no.” "Speed up the recruiting of priests,” said a third. "No, no,” said the Pope, "the MOST necessary thing of all, at this time, is for every parish to possess a group of laymen who will be at the same time virtuous, enlightened, resolute, and truly apostolic.” Further details enable us to assert that this holy Pope at the end of his life saw no hope for the salvation of the world, unless the clergy could use their zeal to form faithful Christians full of apostolic ardor, preaching by word and example, but especially by example.  In the diocese where he served before being elevated to the Papacy, he attached less importance to the census of parishioners than to the list of Christians capable of radiating an apostolate. It was his opinion that shock troops could be formed in any environment. Furthermore, he graded his priests according to the results which their zeal and ability had produced in this regard." (Soul of the Apostolate)

• It's Good News, but not everyone will see it that way. And if you think you can please everyone, think again. "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!"  "Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided..." (Lk 12:49, 51, 52 N.A.B.)
• Remind everyone that the Catholic (Universal) Church is everyone's birthright. It is inclusive. Christ died for everyone!!
• Bear witness to your faith in word and action. Tell people how Christ has affected your life. Your own personal testimony is very powerful.

"The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2:14).

• Ecumenism. Keep a positive attitude about our separated Christian brethren. "For whoever is not against us is for us." (Mark 9:40 N.A.B.)
  According to the Franciscan Media site, "Saint of the Day", St. Ignatius of Loyola (July 31) states: "Great care must be taken to show forth orthodox truth in such a way that if any heretics happen to be present they may have an example of charity and Christian moderation. No hard words should be used nor any sort of contempt for their errors be shown."
• Review basic apologetics which helps you to explain and defend the faith. Also know that you don't have to be able to answer every question, and if you don't know the answer, admit it. Find the answer from a valid source (catechism, apologetics, priest, and/or pray on it) and then get back to the person as soon as possible. Keep explanations short. Pray for the person as well.
• Some of just the many reasons why Catholics have it right: 1. God started the Catholic Church, not the other fragmented ones; 2. The bible is a Catholic book; 3. The holy saints are Catholic; 4. Jesus made a promise to Peter, and God never, and I mean NEVER, EVER breaks a promise!!!
• As for those who think our devotion to Mary takes the focus away from our Lord, tell them that the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven and Earth always points the way to her Divine Son. Also tell them about Our Lady of Guadalupe, Fatima etc. etc. As for the Real Presence, there are Eucharistic miracles as well. Most Protestants are unaware of any of these mircles, which is another reason why need to promote them.
  Isn't it peculiar that some Christian sects such as Anglican, Lutheran and others, believe in the saints. All the saints such as Augustine, James, George and the many others who these sects believe in, admire and trust, are all Catholic saints. Doesn't that tell them anything? Can we get a big - Duh? And of course the bible is a Catholic book. And God never breaks a promise. Not ever! Especially the one He made to Peter.
• Creationism; NOT Darwin's flawed Theory of Evolution. A new sweeping scientific study supports creationism and negates Darwin. You can refer anyone with the questions on evolution and dinosaurs etc. to the study here or to this Father Spitzer video.
  FYI: The originator of the Big Bang theory, Georges Lemaître, was a Roman Catholic priest. (wiki). And,  Einstein converted to Catholicism later in life. (It was about time he smartened up!)
  "Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?" (1 Cor. 1:20 N.A.B.)
• You have to be able to answer the question: "Why are there so many religions and what is the right one?" Always include the supernatural as proof as part of your answer. Remember to state the fact that the bible is a Catholic book and that the saints are Catholic. However, you're witnesses; you don't have to act like a lawyer and argue your case. A few choice words is all that is sometimes needed. But don't remain quiet, say something.
• Comebacks - It is also important to have a few short retorts at the tip of your tongue whenever enemies of our faith start mouthng off. Write these "faith comebacks" out, memorize them, and practice them beforehand. A lot of times, the enemy catches us off-guard, and without being mentally prepared, as a soldier is for battle, we will be caught frozen, like a deer in the headlights. Rest assured, it will only take a few words to subdue the enemy. With the help of the Holy Spirit and these combacks, you will always be prepared.
  Comebacks to have at the tip of your tongue at anytime when anyone is disparaging our Lord in any way: "You'll have a chance to tell Him that face to face"; or: "Wow! are you ever going to be surprised!".  You can also refer to any number of the theophanies (showings of God) by asking, "Have you heard of Our Lady of Fatima and what took place?" or mention "Guadalupe". If they don't know anything about it, tell them to look it up. They're is this thing called the internet.
  Can you think of anymore comebacks? There's tons! Have them ready beforehand and practice them.
  Comebacks leave a lasting mark on the other person because: 1. they weren't expecting it; 2. it will probably be something memorable to them because they may have never heard anybody standing up for the faith (usually people just keep quiet or go along with the criticism of our fath; 3. and, it will be intriguing to them, so they'll think about it. Did you know that it happens all the time that a person was left wondering and thinking about God the most when someone casually spouted off a quick comment or comeback. Sometimes thinking about it for years or decades!  These one-liners or arrows need to be prayed about, thought out, memorized, practiced, and used whenever we are spreading, promoting or defending the faith. Don't be caught off guard.
• Be able to admonish the sinner and instruct the uninformed. It's our duty.

"It's important to remember that God INFINITELY LOVES EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE, from the most evil person, to your saintly self."  mdbys.com

• Set up a welcoming committee in your church to guide and support newcomers.
• Greeters at the Church should be especially aware of those who appear a little lost. It might be their first time, or first time in a long time at Church. They'll need guidance and follow-up support. Greeters should also have a list of of newcomers from the welcoming committee of your parish.
• Be mature enough to support your Church and pastor in all endeavours. It is childish and silly when parishioners leave the Church or go to another parish (church jumpers) because they "don't like the priest". Grow up please! Priests are human like you and me, and they need our support and prayers.
  Still, others complain that the parishioners in their parish are "not friendly enough" etc..... Suck it up, who cares? Don't be so co-dependent! Instead, let's try to be obedient and remember that we go to Church to worship God, not ourselves or others. Put God first and the rest becomes inconsequential. It is satan who loves strife and division.
  I certainly don't speak for God, but I profoundly believe He is not happy with our lifestyles, lack of evangelization, lack of obedience, absenteeism, and church jumping. So, stop criticizing the Church, your priest, and the Pope, and do something positive that will actually help the Church. We're in crisis mode here, and heaven knows we need workers for the harvest. Sure, God can fix it in an instant, but He expects each and every one of us to fulfull our general and specifiic missions. Which of course can only be achieved through obedience and congruity.
  On the other hand, priests and deacons, the mass in not a soapbox where you give your opinions on various topics, or any other ego-driven motives. It is not a place where you try to prove something to someone; it is not a place where you give an endless homily for whatever reason; it's just not a place to put yourself in the spotlight. It's about Christ's sacrifice.
• Faith Jumping. This is not the time to be leaving the Church. Especially not now! This is when the Church needs you more than ever. For those who say they are fed up, sick and tired, or disallusioned - remember: we all knew towards the end that it would be like this; that we will be tested. But for your sake, and for the Church's, stay where you are... don't go anywhere. This is the time for you to dig in. You need to pass the test. Please do not fail the test. Stay where you are, close to your Blessed Mother.
  We see it too. Bizarre things at times... We've even seen the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place - on Christmas Day of all dates! But we cannot abandon our faith... ever! God help us, or those who do. Abandoning your faith is denying your faith. And if you deny Him, He may deny you. Would you abandon your team when they are down? Then how much more important is God's Church?
  We were warned there would be trials and that we would be persecuted. Don't blame the failings of mere mortals on God.
• Secularism and moral relativism - most of us are guilty of it: going along with the messages of society, which are anti-Christian in general; not going to Church; removing statues and holy items from public; taking God out of everything we do; not praying; allowing another religion opposed to Christianity to grow unabated; condoning abortion; priests not wearing their collars in public (in this part of the world, we even see the bishop not wearing clerical clothing outside the church, and when he gets interviewed on TV - never mentions our Lord or evangelize); not talking about our faith; not evangelizing effectively, etc.
  Moral Relativism at its finest: one religion is as good as another. Remind people: Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven. (CCC, 618)
• Celebration of life instead of a funeral: many people these days are opting for a "celebration of life" instead of a church funeral. Unfortunately, the devil and his minions may also be celebrating this deceased person's lack of faith and not dying in Christ. So in that way, extoll the benefits of putting an effort into one's faith (while they are alive) so that they may not burn in hell.... for all eternity after they're dead. You can't have a true celebraton of life without dying in Christ. In actuality, we live for eternity.
• Catholic schools and institutions must remain steadfast and hold their ground. When we start becoming fearful of hurting other people's feelings with our faith, we detract from our true mission. When Catholics retreat, the devil advances.
• Secular universities are breeding grounds for atheistic professors who openly deny the existence of God, because some of them think they are God. It is important for Christians to aggressively defend our beliefs. Form a Catholic group that regular meets, prays, and discusses Christian topics etc. You could also have a showing of "God's Not Dead" or any other of the vast number of Christian films. If your science professor starts to promote athiesm, show him/her the miraculous Our Lady of Guadalupe image and the fact that scientists cannot explain it.
• Remember: it is Good News! It's not supposed to be a chore. You are bringing the news of the most precious gift there is -  ETERNAL LIFE! Many look at the most important aspects of it as drudgery. However, our Lord didn't think or act that way. In fact, it was His main priority, and evangelization is our most important duty as well. “If Christianity is false, it doesn’t matter.  But if it’s true, it’s the most important thing in human history.” – C.S. Lewis.  
• You often hear in these secular times that people want to live forever, or be young forever. I've got great news for them: THEY CAN! It is called eternal life. But there is a catch - they have to do a 180° turn, repent, deny themselves, take up their cross and follow the Lord.
  In heaven, we can all live forever in the presence of God. And maybe, we'll all look young again (or at least radiating from the inside out by the beatific vision). That is the kind of good news everybody (well almost everybody) wants to hear! Tell everyone this good news!
• An image overhaul: The Catholic Church has taken lots of hits. Talk about how the Church helps those in need all over the world and that it is the greatest charity in the Universe. Where there is a need, the Church will be there. For example: when talking to those of African descent, explain who Peter Claver was and what he did. Also tell people that the RED CROSS, the organization that helps people the world over, in every natural and man-made disaster, began by God through His Catholic servant, St. Camillus - FOUNDER OF THE ORIGINAL RED CROSS! All the organizations inspired by God through His Catholic servants would be too many to mention. Many people might hate Catholics, but what they don't hate is our good works. Give them concrete examples. Indeed, a good starting point to win over the cold hearts of some. Make a long list of the good works the Church does today, and tell everyone. And don't forget to tell people about the 40 million Christians who were killed in the 20th century alone - because they were Christians. And if the trend continues in this century, that number will be even higher. Tell everyone, especially leaders and politicians.

“There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate The Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen

• Evangelization ALWAYS involves the "J" word. "Not just social action, but direct witness to Christ", says Francis Cardinal George. "There is no true evangelization if the name, the teaching, the life, the promises, the kingdom and the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God are not proclaimed." (EVANGELII NUNTIANDI)
• Are you completely overwhelmed and don't know where to begin? Begin at the parish (ground zero) and work outwards, creating a groundswell.
• It is important to leave the person(s) with something: a prayer card, rosary with instructions, contact information etc...
• Our conduct: we are Christians in every situation, lest we appear as hypocrites. And since our actions affect others, especially if we are leaders, we must conduct ourselves appropriately at all times. Lead a Christ-centred life. “If we make Christ the center of our lives, the beginning and the end, then we will love like him and live like him.” - Deacon Joe Cerenzia
• Talk openly about your faith with family members; let it become the easiest and most important subject. It is the parent's responsibility to make sure their kids get to heaven. If you are not talking about your faith to them, who is? Of course you want your kids to go to heaven, but it requires something on your part. You talk to them all the time about other subjects you think are important. Eternal life is more important than ANY subject. tip: it is better to be proactive and bring up your children strong in the faith - not leaving anything (or rather, anyone) to chance.
• Family or friends who have fallen away from the Church. Father Wade Menezes says to deal with them: privately (one on one), charitably, and rarely (if they are adults - because adults have to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling - as the verse goes). Yes privately and charitably. Keep in mind: staying quiet is not good for the person(s) heading to hell. Here is Mark Mallett's response to "What to do if a loved one is in mortal sin". He states, " If we truly love family and friends, we will not make excuses for their lifestyles in order to be liked or to keep from being rejected by them. We must speak the truth, but in gentleness and love."
  We also encourage everyone to Pray and make sacrifices for their conversion as well.
  
• Talk about your faith with co-workers. Timing and circumstance are important, but you'll find the right time.
• Start an evangelization group at the local parish. Find like-minded individuals who understand the importance of evangelizing. "The church that doesn’t want to grow is saying to the world, “you can go to hell”. (Warren, 2012). We do everyone who needs to hear the gospel and repent, a disservice by not evangelizing, and staying quiet... staying tepid.
• To help you find your particular mission (which always relates to evangelization), I recommend everyone read Rick Warren's, The Purpose Driven Life, and the Catholic perspective on it - by Father Joseph M Champlin.
• Door to door: evangelizing is about bringing the gospel to others, no matter who or where they are. Start with those that live near the parish. Since the Church exists in order to evangelize (according to Pope Paul VI), it is a travesty not to evangelize or at least extend an invitation, especially to those closest to it. The advantages of doing this are numerous including a ripple effect in the community. Then continue preaching the gospel and inviting those beyond the immediate residents. Years ago, I was told, that before mass, the priest would have parishioners go out and gather up those who didn't show up.
  All others in the community need to be personally visited as well (and not just once). Many churches are surrounded by houses and apartment buildings; is anybody reaching out to their occupants?
  Tips: go in two's, leave them with something, such as a Holy Rosary and info; you can have a third person out on the street - praying to the Holy Spirit; if no one is home, leave a door hanger with information on it. An invitation, such as our Come and See letter, or any other you wish to use, should be signed by the parish priest, deacon, welcoming committee coordinator, and their contact information included as well.
• Hold rallies in public squares and on the streets for the persecuted Christians in particular places around the world. Contact the highest levels of government and demand they hold those governments responsible for the safety of our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters. The evil one is hard at it everyday influencing these politicians (and others) to further his objectives - which of course is to the detriment and ruination of Christians. The devil is also preying upon the sympathies of others in order to futher his objectives. We need to continue to set the record straight that Christians are being persecuted now more than ever, and under the indifferent eyes of the world.
• Preach on the street: Jesus did!
• Walk down the streets ringing a bell and inviting children to hear the word of God - just like St. Francis Xavier did!
• And speaking of ringing bells, we need all Catholic Churches to start ringing their bells to summon all.
• Catholic clergy have to stop walking on egg shells and be bold. By their timidity, they are playing right into the hands of the devil.
• Create an online presence.
• Parishioners and church officials should not be shy in asking others to donate their time, talent and money. "You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church" means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability" (CCC, The Fifth Precept) .
  Within the faithful (and the non-practicing), there is the whole gamut of trades and skills to help build up the Body of Christ. So, it is encumbent on the parish priest or council to ask all men and women for the help that is needed (labour to financial), and to remind them of their obligation, if necessary. What is the worse thing that can happen? They may say... no? What is the best thing? The non-practicing Catholic might feel honored you asked him/her, and they may say yes, and, they may start going back to Church to worship. For Pete's sake, the Church, if not getting the work for free, should at least get a deep discount.
  The Fifth precept indicates we have that right to ask.
  WE NEED TO GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS OF VOLUNTEERING. Years ago, parishes did not have paid staff, and if something needed to be done... like building a church, or repairs, snow shovelling or grass cutting, and accounting etc., it was done by... you guessed it - VOLUNTEERS! It is our duty to volunteer and help out. It is our duty to evangelize - for free! Now we see paid positions for Mission Support Team Leader, Preaching Support (whatever that is), Communications Directors and support staff, Finance, Choir Leader (which of course was on a volunteer basis in the past), Disciple Formation Team Leader and support workers..... Wow!
  "Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do'". (Luke 17:9-10 N.A.B.)
• Focus - all this back-slapping, self-congratulatory behaviour, joke making, and disrespect to the supernatural, takes the focus off of God and misdirects it to our unworthy selves. Go about your lives and do good works in quiet obscurity. If your aim is to glorify yourself; you are in opposition to the Cross.
  "But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you." (N.A.B. Matt. 6:3-4)
• Find out which parishioners are social media saavy to help with an ongoing social media campaign. Remember that it is every Catholics' duty to help the parish, and to evangelize. So in that respect, no money should be offered for their services. With the help of the Holy Spirit, may the campaign go viral.
• Promote the faith by wearing clothes such as a t-shirt or hat with a gospel message, or image of the Divine Mercy or Our Lady of Guadalupe etc. It can be subtle or loud and proud. This is a great way to promote the faith. As Christians, we are at a disadvantage when it comes to others not visibly identifying us. Look at other groups with their headscarves, headgear, robes, outer garments, veils, hats, etc. You can easily identify them as belonging to a particular group. So in essence, they are promoting their cause all the time. All the more reason why priests need to stay in uniform as well.
• At Christmas, Easter, Halloween etc., give out candy that is packaged as being Catholic. A quick search online indicates not many are doing this. Maybe you could start if candy and Catholicism is your passion.
• Run for office and stay true to your faith and values. It's very important for faithful, devoted Christians to run and hold all political positions from the top down, lest they be overrun and subjugated by another ideology.
• Volunteer at Catholic bookstores, Catholic charities, your local Right to Life centre, and support Catholic/Christian businesses in your area.
• Bumper stickers. Promote your parish with bumper stickers as well.
• Hand out prayer cards to people you meet or leave them in public places.
• Hand out bibles. It is important to read the word of God on a regular basis, and to pass it along.
• Become a Sunday School teacher.
• Support Catholic schools. Send your kids to one of them.
• Wear Christian jewellery. It's a conversation starter as well.
• Vehicle wraps: they can provide attractive tinting to keep the inside of your car cool while spreading the gospel. If your parish has its own vehicle, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to advertise using vehicle wraps, lettering, decals, graphics etc. Park it in an area where it will be seen by many when not in use.
• Handouts, flyers, or leaflets to get the life saving message out.
• Martyrdom: spreading the gospel in perilous countries is the quickest route to heaven. Many saints gladly went into harm's way in order to be martyred. Besides, your days are numbered; you're going to die anyway. Tertullian said: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church”.
  "This death which appears so dreadful is very little for the purchase of eternal life." Quote by St. James Intercisus before he was to be tortured and cut up in pieces (source: holyspiritinteractive.net)
• It may seem, in these latter days, that Catholics feel ashamed or guilty. We need to move away from that attitude and boldly preach the gospel like Christ did. We are not trying to win a popularity contest. What about the Great Commission? "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19-20 N.A.B.).  The eternal salvation of souls is at stake here!
  "Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ."  (Gal. 1:10 N.A.B.)
  “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" (Luke. 12:49 N.A.B.)
• If you have the means, buy churches that are for sale and hold them in trust. It is a tragic sight to see a "For Sale" sign on a church property.
• Coffee cups: it can be very inexpensive to emboss your favourite cup with a bible passage or inspirational message or divine image.
• Defend against heresy. Pray the Holy Rosary everyday to defeat heresy. Extol the 15 benefits of praying the Rosary.
• And why Christianity, and why not any other religion? Tell them: the whole bible - the old and new testament is about our Lord Jesus Christ. God made a convenant (promise) with Abraham. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the promise realized. It was our Lord Jesus Christ who started the Catholic Church. Every person will be judged by Him. No exception. Still scepticle? Go to Signs and Miracles. “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. If not, believe because of the things I do.” John 14:11
  Be on the winning side. Yes, join the bandwagon.

"What we have (the invitation to eternal bliss in Heaven with God), is too good to be true, but it is! It is not Good News, it is Great News!" mdbys.com

• Utilize converts to Christ from other organizations such as FMU.

"Did you know that in Canada, for instance, they now kill about 100,000 babies a year through abortion. And, Canada, like many other countries, has been murdering babies for many decades now. But the Canadian government also brings in roughly 300,000 immigrants to make up for the population decline. Of the approximately 100,000 babies they are now killing each year, many would have grown up and had multiple kids of their own. Does that make sense to you? Kill your own citizens, then look to other countries and peoples to make up for it? It's craziness personified!" mdbys.com

• Reach out. All countries must be actively engaged in evangelizing immigrants. The Church is inclusive. Many immigrants may have never heard the Good News. We are doing them harm and a disservice by not telling them, and we'll be held accountable in some way for the loss of souls to hell.
• Yes, hell is a real place. Don't listen to the lukewarmers who say there is no such place. God, and all the popes, and the saints, have told us otherwise. And if you're on the fence about non-believers in risk of hell, it sounds like you're unsure of your own faith. You may need to do a number of things that will increase your own faith such as: pray the Holy Rosary everyday, mental prayer, work the sacraments, turn away from obstacles such as sin, read your bible and catechism on a regular basis, read about the saints (read the saint of the day), and yes - evangelize. As mentioned, one of the blessed benefits of evangelization, besides helping to save souls, is that it increases our own faith at the same time. Would God have it any other way?
• Talk of the importance of Baptism: Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism. (CCC, 1277)
• Many believe that they don't have to go Church; or that they can still be good Christians and not go to Church every Sunday. Educate Catholics (and others) that simply choosing not to go to Church every Sunday is a mortal sin and that they risk HELL.
• Sponsor/help a Christian refugee family. Christian refugees are now the most vulnerable of all refugees in many regions. It is the Christians who have always been persecuted. "The world usually either bitterly opposes Christ, like Herod, or is indifferent to him, like the innkeepers." (NCR - Guide to the Rosary).  The devil would make you think otherwise to gain sympathy. Gaining sympathy for certain groups (who are enemies of the Church) who cry persecution at the drop of a hat is a favorite tactic for the devil. You need to remember this, and tell others, especially when a certain group exploits and deceives others. Christians have always been the most persecuted. It is a topsy turvey world when Christian refugees are being disregarded (by other Christians) in favor of other groups. For any refugee: the real solution is to make it safe for these people not to be uprooted, and not to have them travel thousand of kilometers to a strange land, with new customs and a whole new set of problems.
• Keep in mind: we are becoming more and more lukewarm, but always remember that The Great Commission, first and foremost, always applies, and that we must always spread the Good News with all our members: tongue, feet, hands.... Above all else, we are to continually evangelize. As Saint John Paul II reminds us, "Even the closest of human relationships are challenged by the absolute demands of the Kingdom." (Rosary, 20)
• Have frequent Eucharistic adoration at your parish.
• Place Holy Rosaries at the ends of every pew.
• Invite at least one person to your Church each week. Let the priest, greeters and/or welcoming committee know beforehand so they can prepare. Give them an information packet to take home. Follow up with them!
  Are you worried about rejection or that the other person will say no to the inviitation or message? Don't be, it is not all about us.
  Johnnette Benkovic from Women of Grace reminds us that it is not us they are rejecting or saying no to. Also, we  can offer that rejection up for the love of Christ in return for the salvation of the very person who is actually rejecting or saying no to the invitation or message. Furthermore, think about the rejection and humuliation Christ must have suffered during His Passion.
• Discuss upcoming readings with family and friends.
• Fundraise to finance your evangelization efforts, campaigns, and/or missions: bottle drives, flea markets, auctions, dances, plays, concerts, dinners, bake sales, movie night (Christian movie), card socials, 50/50, canvassing, calendars, chase the ace, collections...
• Organize a parade. Floats and costumes can include those of the saints, or even the Holy Family.
• Organize a parish walk-about in the neighbourhood after mass.
• Sponsor a local sports team with the parish's info on the jerseys.
• Encourage parish children and others, to dress up as a saint for Halloween. Not the devil though, we've already clichéd him out of context as it is.
• An outdoor LED display sign would be a great investment for each parish. An attractive and convenient way to advertise and promote the parish. Changing the information on the sign would only take a few key strokes on the computer. It would be well worth the money to invest in one.
• Run an ongoing public information session at your parish or other venue (and online).
• Catholic Formation: use the Marian Catechist Apostolate, not the the Alpha Program.
• In whatever way you can, draw positive attention to Christ (use your imagination). However, conflict is sometimes unavoidable and we must stay true to our faith. What is the worse they can do to us?
• Minister to inmates. Not only is it our duty, but we must also evangelize the incarcerated.
• Evangelize the LGBTQ community and remind them that God's mercy extends to all. The Universal Church is inclusive. But like everyone else, they too must turn away from sin. It is not a sin to be gay (since most are born that way), but it is a sin to act on those feelings, and/or fantasize about them, in the same way it is for heterosexuals committing those sins if they were not married. Keep in mind: same sex individuals cannot be romantically involved (period). Not even the Pope has the power to change that rule.

"Don't get your spirituality from mainstream media or Hollywood. It's generaly false (with very few exceptions)." mdbys.com

• Start a Catholic school for the blind and the deaf.
• In these latter days, it would be a great time to be a priest! Do you have a calling? Pray on it, and pray for an increase in vocations as well. Parents or caregivers who openly talk about the faith, are more likely to plant that seed of faith that will grow into the most respectable vocation there is - the consecrated life.
• Speaking about priests and vocations, according to numerous sources, a number of dioceses in the U.S. have found that where there is faithfulness to Catholic doctrine, vocations to the priesthood markedly increase.¹ 
• The Lord showed us how powerful parables are. So why not make up some of your own parables to drive home a Christian point. The parables could be some themes taken from your own life to illustrate an important Christian point.
• Challenge someone to read a couple bible verses. Tell them to randomly open a page and start reading. You never know what inspiration this will create!
• Use missionary principles** such as transforming festivals, rites and customs into Christian feasts, and retaining local customs as far as possible.
• When doing missionary work in challenging or inhospital lands, heed St. Aidan's advice when he recalls what St. Paul says: "First teach them simple lessons, then when the people have grown stronger on the Word of God, they can begin doing the more perfect things of God's holy law."***
• It is also important to learn the native language when doing missionary work.
• We are heaven's hands, feet, mouth and eyes here on earth. We just have to make the effort and God will do all the heavy lifting.
• We hear about all kinds of things going viral on the internet, but the Holy Spirit is immensely more effective, if we are willing to draw on His inexhaustible love and resources.
• Worried about proselytizing others? The default is: do it like Jesus did it. He is our role model. Jesus boldly told the truth. And what did He say? He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, N.A.B.).
  The eternal salavation of others, especially those placed on your path, may dependent on your.... proselytizing. Do we try to convert others - absolutely! But a better way to frame it would be: we will tell others the truth. We should not be so sensitive; many countries around the world are persecuting Christians because they won't convert to their faith. Communist countries are also ramming their ideology down everyone's throat. And we point the finger at Christians for promoting our faith? Give me a break!
  We know that evil thrives in the dark, and the light of truth will defeat evil. Evil is relying on you to not tell the truth, to stay quiet. All of history backs that up.
• No matter who says we should not confidently evangelize and promote our faith... don't believe them or the source.
• Today, more and more parishes are begging to have their parishioners take part in the mass and with other duties within the Church. Sadly, most of this does nothing for evangelization. For example, more Eucharistic Ministers does nothing for evangelization. Actually, it is sad that so many parishioners go to Communion when many are unprepared (are in need of Confession). Pope Saint John Paul II warned us that our communion lines are long and our confession lines are short. If people abstained when they should, we would need less Eucharistic Ministers. Many parishioners don't even realize what they are receiving anyway. By going to communion without being prepared (having unconfessed mortal sins), one may be in effect: piling on.
  Evangelization duties, which are very specific, and don't have to be paid positions, must take priority and divided out - on both a general and specific, ongoing basis. And I wouldn't discount the so-called "back-pew" parishioners. Some of them may be part of what is sustaining your parish.
• It is plain to see that evangelization is falling short these days. If it weren't, more people would be consistently going to Church. But instead, less people are following their faith. And, it surprises me that many of the pundits don't know why the present approach, for the most part, is not working. Well, the writers on this site who have zero authority and absolutely no clout can shed a little light on why:
  -We are not using the tools God gave us such as these: the Holy Rosary, Brown Scapular, the Word of God, and the Sacrament of Confession, the Divine Mercy, Our Lady of Guadalupe......
  -Too many of us are not praying for the conversion of poor sinners.
  -There needs to be more adherence to Catholic doctrine, especially in this time of secularism.
  -We are not promoting the supernatural aspects of our faith.
  -We are not being aggressive at the times when we need to be. In fact we are on the run, or the defensive, not the offensive - which we should be.
  -We are not taking credit for all the good the Church does. Little to no PR. It's as if we are trying (going out of our way) to suppress ourselves.
  -We are not garnering sympathy for all the Christian martyrs. In fact, 40 million Christians have been killed in the last century alone, and with all the minions out there who want to kill all the Christians - it will only get worse. Christians (especially Catholic and the Church) are the most persecuted people in the history of the world - bar none. Tell everyone, especially politicians! The devil is gaining a lot of ground by that one tactic - sympathy. Even the abuse scandal could be garnering sympathy for the Church.
  -In order to win, we must become familiar with the devil's tactics. "For our struggle is not with flesh and blood..." (Ephesian 6:12, NAB)
  -Cardinals and bishops need to do what the king of Nineveh did: humble themselves. They need to pound the pavement (especially in poorer areas) and set the example. No servant is greater than his master.
  
  "If you want God to hear your prayers, hear the voice of the poor. If you wish God to anticipate your wants, provide those of the needy without waiting for them to ask you. Especially anticipate the needs of those who are ashamed to beg. To make them ask for alms is to make them buy it." -St. Thomas of Villanova
  
  -Catholics have got to realize that everything boils down to heaven or hell. That we are mere pilgrims here on our way to something better which has been prepared for us. And if someone doesn't believe this or take it seriously, then they are either deceived or lukewarm or both.
  -Since our only options are heaven or hell, there is no need to be too reserved all the time when it comes to evangelization. The gospel message you're conveying, or withholding, could be the difference between heaven and hell for some. Besides, if you are being nice, not to hurt someone's feelings or acquiescing to their false beliefs, one thing is for certain: it won't be too nice on judgment day for those who will spend eternity in hell. So don't get too comfortable with your life here on earth, it is not going to endure, but heaven and hell will.
  -The Church and its members have to tell everyone: there is only one truth; only one true religion. There cannot be two... or more. There is only one winning side.
  -Lukewarmness is literally killing us. It is really nauseating.
  -This doesn't apply to all the clergy, but to many: always wear your collars, move back into the rectories, and take a vow of poverty if you're able, and realize, that evangelization, which falls on all of us (clergy and laity), is generally more effective when the parish priest is on board, and to know without uncertainty, that evangelization is the most important task we have (period). Clergy must take the leadership role in the parish and direct the parishioners on specifically where to go and what to do. They must also continually remind parishioners that souls are in peril.
  These are just suggestions. What we know is this: a lot of the initiatives are not working. And we're not fans of paid positions to create a renewal.
  We must first pray and ask God what He wants us to do. Not what we want to do. We can also look at what successful parishes and archdioceses have done or are doing.

"Strike the shepherd and the sheep scatter" (Zec 13:7). There's no doubt that the devil has focused his assault on the religious leaders of our day. While these leaders may have had noble intentions of charity and pastoral sensitivity, the results have been devastating. Decades of lenient, non-confrontational leadership have left the faithful feeble and prone to be "conformed to the pattern of this world" (Rom 12:2). St. Augustine once said, "Charity is no substitute for justice withheld." However, St. Peter Canisius cautioned: "Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion, than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were to be in collusion with the Church's enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith."  Father Richard Heilman

• As an invaluable resource, read our book, which covers every aspect of evangelization (and promotion of the faith) including: starting an evangelization campaign; learning how missions work and how to prepare for one; transforming and assimilating local cultures, rituals, customs and beliefs to Christian; how to evangelize door to door - what to say in every situation and what tools you'll need (a step by step coaching tool for door to door evangelization); a complete marketing campaign; how to use any promotional product for evangelization and/or promotion of the faith; sure-fire ways to keep costs down; how to bring up the gospel in any situation; how to involve the Church in every aspect of evangelization; learn all about evangelization committees, the full-time evangelist, welcome committees, evangelization funds etc.; how to get parishioners involved; how to increase the number of parishioners in your parish no matter how dire the situation seems; how to use almost any form of media for evangelization; how to create social media pages (Facebook, Twitter etc.), websites, blogs, forums, podcasts, your very own internet radio and television programs and stations; how to deepen your faith;  the conversion of others; how to make the most out of your prayer life, and how to use prayer as a powerful tool for evangelization; a list of intercessory prayers; how to overcome pitfalls and setbacks; how to prove to naysayers God's existence through the many miracles He has given us (miracles were given to us for a reason); how to get others to believe in the gospel - on faith; how to remain positive in the face of criticism, negativity and hostility; how to live your faith everyday; advice from the saints; a free Come and Seeⁱⁱ invitation to use; assistance and guidance at every step of the way, and much much more...
• Good News? No, it's INCREDIBLE, FANTASTIC, GREAT AND THE BEST NEWS EVER!

CATHOLIC EVANGELIZATION: PRACTICAL WAYS OF SPREADING THE GOSPEL AND BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST

 The much anticipated book is now available! Catholic Evangelization. Painstakingly written to provide Catholics all the necessary information to spread the gospel, build up Christ's church, while at the same time strengthening their faith. When all these magnificent aspects of evangelization are happening, more and more people will hear and respond to the calling to the priesthood and consecrated life, and so - the blessed cycle continues. With the help of the Holy Spirit, this book will show you in no uncertain terms how to get fired up for the Lord. It is also the ultimate book on practical ways of spreading the gospel, giving the reader a step by step guide for application and execution of evangelization methods and principles in innumerable situations. Not only is this book the definitive resource on practical ways of spreading the gospel and building up the church, it is also an excellent means to renew and revive your own faith and that of others!
©2012 ISBN-13 978-0-9867878-1-2
300 pages. Easy-to-read electronic format (buy the book for immediate reading - no waiting!) Formats: pdf, doc, text, mobi, kindle, epub, html (can be read by anyone with a computer, smart phone, hand-held device etc.)

 

ISBN-13 978-0-9867878-1-2 ©2012
Easy-to-read electronic format (buy the book for immediate reading - no waiting!) Formats: pdf, doc, text, mobi, kindle, epub, html (can be read by anyone with a computer, smart phone, hand-held device etc.) 300 pages.
$9.99

With the help of the Holy Spirit, even if you applied only one or two of the countless examples, approaches and easy-to-follow steps outlined in this book, it would bear fruit. At this low price, it may be the most practical and beneficial purchase you'll ever make.
 

“The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.ˮ Luke 10:2

FREE PAMPHLET TO PRINT OUT AND COPY AND DISTRIBUTE

How to become a Catholic

The first thing you do: Contact a Catholic parish near you to let them know that you are interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith.
Find a Catholic parish anywhere in the world!

And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring (the) good news!” Romans 10:15

Let’s fill the churches, then build some more!

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“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

“It must be said that the Holy Spirit is the principal agent of evangelization: it is He who impels each individual to proclaim the Gospel, and it is He who in the depths of consciences causes the word of salvation to be accepted and understood. But it can equally be said that He is the goal of evangelization: He alone stirs up the new creation, the new humanity of which evangelization is to be the result, with that unity in variety which evangelization wishes to achieve within the Christian community. Through the Holy Spirit the Gospel penetrates to the heart of the world, for it is He who causes people to discern the signs of the times- signs willed by God- which evangelization reveals and puts to use within history.” EVANGELII NUNTIANDI - APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION OF HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI

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"Charity is no substitute for justice withheld". (St. Augustine). Catholic365.com says that according to the CCC, countries have a duty to protect their indigenous population and culture. They explain, that in the name of "charity", countries let in millions of people without vetting them, or protecting the indigenous population's livelihoods, culture, economy, and physical security. They go on to say that this encourages strife in all the aforementioned areas due to an unchecked immigration policy. Furthermore, they state, this is because the leadership in both public and religious life led the population into the false belief that blind charity and science can replace justice. Unfortunately, many make the mistake that St. Augustine warns us about - which is very liberal and weak-minded. Even the Divine Mercy of God is balanced with His justice.

*. (NCR - Guide to the Rosary)
** Pope Gregory the Great, Pastoral Care (Book of Pastoral Rule).
*** http://holyspiritinteractive.net/kids/saints/0831_aidan.asp

ⁱ Bob & Penny Lord (Super Saints - Saint Teresa of Avila
Saint Louis de Montford. Love of Eternal Wisdom, 201.5
ⁱⁱ "Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” (N.A.B. John 1:45-46)

¹ http://www.catholicworldreport.com/2016/01/11/increase-in-ordinations-the-result-of-faithfulness-and-orthodoxy/
² https://www.christianforums.com/threads/liberalism-and-communism.7987557/

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