Catholics plan 'Passion' evangelism

WorldNetDaily ^ | 2-09-04 | WorldNetDaily

[Salvation]

Catholics plan 'Passion' evangelism
New website urges faithful to use film in sharing with family, friends

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Posted: February 9, 2004
5:00 p.m. Eastern

© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com

While it is Protestant Christians who normally emphasize evangelizing unbelievers, a new online effort entitled "Catholic Passion Outreach" hopes to mobilize Catholics to use Mel Gibson's new movie to "spread, strengthen and share" their faith.

A cooperative project of Catholic Exchange and Ascension Press, the new website features a downloadable free small-groups handbook and a book for sale: "A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions about Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ."

Ascension Press is a Catholic publisher; Catholic Exchange is a Net-based evangelistic organization.

"As a major cultural event, this movie offers Catholics a unique opportunity to share the power of the gospel with family and friends," said Tom Allen, president of CatholicExchange.com. "Unlike any other, this movie will inspire hearts and change lives. And it will evoke many questions about its artistic and theological aspects."

Gibson's film, which chronicles the last 12 hours of Christ's life and his resurrection, has generated high levels of both excitement and criticism. While many Christians have hailed the movie as an inspiring and accurate account of the biblical Gospels, others have blasted the film as anti-Semitism. Gibson himself is Catholic.

The guidebook offered on the new website was designed as something that could be given away to moviegoers at theaters. Matthew Pinto, president of Ascension Press, calls it "the definitive Catholic resource book on the subject."

The book, which sells for $5.95, has a chapter on "The Case for Christ" as well as the story of the founding and growth of the Catholic Church. Devotional prayers, the Stations of the Cross and the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary are included as appendices.

"We wanted to create a piece that offers a scene-by-scene analysis of the movie, both from an artistic and theological perspective. The book needed to be inviting, appealing to the casual moviegoer who may not be active in any faith, yet also rich in faith content," said Pinto. "People are going to have questions as they watch the movie. This book will give them the answers."

Evangelical Protestants have snatched up thousands of tickets for the opening of the film, scheduled for Feb. 25, hoping also to use it as an evangelism tool. Gibson has screened the movie for thousands of Evangelical pastors to generate interest among Christians.

At Wheaton Bible Church in suburban Chicago two members have offered to buy out two screenings of "The Passion" at a local theater.

John Mitchell, the church's pastor of evangelism, said: "We're getting involved in this way because we believe that Mel Gibson's movie … will cause people to ask the most important question of life, which is, 'What was Jesus doing on that cross?'"

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[sfRummygirl]

Well that's good. I think you guys should get out there!;-)

[Rum Tum Tugger]

Unfortunately Catholics are just learning that they can evangelize.

Unfortunately, only a very few Catholics are aware of the need for evangelization.

I'm a relatively new Catholic. I became a Catholic solely through my own initiative (which certainly has some benefits). However, during a Mystagogia meeting after becoming a Catholic, I mentioned to the RCIA instructor and the sponsors that I wished that someone in the Church had evangelized me years ago. I got the impression from the response to my comment that evangelization was a concept that was totally foreign to these good people. That's a shame.

If someone had taken the time to explain the truth of the Catholic Church to me years ago, I think I may have converted years ago.

So, where do I sign up to become a Catholic evangelist?

[Northern Yankee]

I was at the Catholic exchange web site over the weekend. It is tremendous.

We've got 3 parishes in our community that will be renting out the theater for the Passion of the Christ, and then having discussions back at church afterwards.

Amazing... I never thought I'd see the day.

[Northern Yankee]

Welcome to the Catholic faith.

We are really starting to change for the better.

There really is a hunger to get back to the basics, and really have it become deeper spiritually.

Certainly since the scandals over the past few years, the church is undergoing some deep philosophical changes that will, in the end, be better for the church.

[nina0113]

So, where do I sign up to become a Catholic evangelist?

I'm starting small - when non-Catholics come to the door to evangelize ME, instead of telling them "no thanks", I invite them in and share my faith with them. I leave the Catholicity tapes on the Metro & pray that the person who finds them will listen. I always carry several to give away to anyone who seems receptive.

[Aquinasfan]

I'm praying this film can help turn the tide in our country back to God and purity, holiness of life, a nation that longs to do God's will.

It certainly seems that this movie is coming at the right time.

[Aquinasfan]

Does evangelism really go against Catholic teachings, or is it just something that normally isn't done?

It's related to human nature and Catholic culture. Those brought up in the faith become lax, and tend to leave the evangelizing to the "religious," priests, brothers and nuns. The Church has been working to address this imbalance since the second Vatican Council, but old habits are hard to break. The most zealous, evangelical Catholics seem to be the converts from Protestantism, like Scott Hahn.

[Aquinasfan]

I leave the Catholicity tapes on the Metro & pray that the person who finds them will listen. I always carry several to give away to anyone who seems receptive.

Excellent! "Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth" from Catholic Answers is also a good "leave behind." 5,000,000 copies in print. It's less expensive than tapes too!

Here's a link to Twelve Painless Ways to Evangelize. It's got good suggestions for beginning evangelists.

Here's another link to Starting Out as an Apologist

I believe that there is an enormous need for solid teaching. I think the best evangelism occurs in your daily, living witness.

[nina0113]

The tapes are only a buck - when I made my first confession, I listened to the Confession tape in the car two or three times before I found the courage to go in, with my sheaf of papers covering 30 years worth of mortal sins.

[B Knotts]

I think Catholics still suffer from an inferiority complex from the "No Irish Need Apply" days.

We're gradually getting over it, but there is still a strong feeling that we don't want to bother anyone else with our beliefs.

[MudPuppy]

check to see if your parish has a Legion of Mary group.
The Legion is made up of lay people and one of their "missions" is to evangelize.
You always work in pairs. One should always be praying while the other is talking or listening.
It's difficult at first but with the grace of Our Lady and the Holy Spirit it does get easier.

http://www.legionofmary.org/

see Door-to-Door with the Legion of Mary
http://www.legionofmary.org/d_to_d.htm

[My back yard]

Interesting thought about evangelism. I guess in my experience charity, and evangelism, begins at home. The obligation to raise my children as catholic is where my part comes to play ; my family. Am I my neighbor's keeper? Interesting question.

[MudPuppy]

Nina,
God Bless you! I was the supplier of those Catholicity tapes at St. Mary's and for the Legion of Mary. Although, I'm no longer an active Legionary I'm an auxilliary. I love those tapes and continue to hand out as many tapes and books as I can.

I've even sent cases of both to Iraq for Chaplains to give out :)

Keep up the good work!

[Salvation]

**So, where do I sign up to become a Catholic evangelist?**

No signing up is necessary. By virtue of our Baptism we are all evangelizers.

Take it in three steps.

1. Gain the personal knowleldge (You did this in your RCIA classes) and continue to learn (by virtue of your being here, you are doing this.)

2. Contact and invite those immediately around you. Family, friends

3. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ (and your own personal story) with those you meet at work, at school, at the mall, etc.

If you ever have any questions I have a couple of good references, both for programs for your church and for personal growth.

[Salvation]

Wonderful! It is so exciting, isn't it?

[Salvation]

Great suggestions. Listen to the Holy Spirit. You will know who needs those tapes!

[Salvation]

I have also given out the "Pillar of Fire" pamphlets.

If someone asks me a question about the Rosary -- then I answer it and give them a pamphlet on the history of the Rosary. ..........You get the idea!

[Salvation]

**I've even sent cases of both to Iraq for Chaplains to give out :)**

You are so special! Thank you!

[Salvation]

Thanks for those great links!

[Salvation]

** I guess in my experience charity, and evangelism, begins at home.**

You are right on. See Post #34 and take evangelizing in steps.

Self
Family and friends
Acquaintance >>>Community>>>World