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Featured Term (selected at random):ANNA This woman was a prophetess who spent all her time, day and night, in the Temple. She was present when Jesus was brought to the Temple by his parents in accordance with the Law of Moses. She "began to praise God" on seeing him, "and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deli-verance of Jerusalem" (Luke 2:36-38). All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

Pope: Catholic education part of New Evangelization   2012-05-05 Vatican Radio Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday spoke about the importance of Catholic education when addressing a group of United States bishops in Rome on their ad limina visit. Calling Catholic schools “an essential resource for the new evangelization,” the Holy Father urged that a Catholic education be within the reach of all families, whatever their financial status. Turning his attention to higher education, Pope Benedict said colleges and universities “need to reaffirm their distinctive identity in fidelity to their founding ideals and the Church’s mission in service of the Gospel.”He...

The World-Changing Year of Faith FaithApril 23rd, 2012 John Harden  This year is poised to be one of the most exciting years in modern history. A major event will take place that could change the direction of our country — indeed, of the entire world. I’m not talking about the upcoming election, or even the fabled Mayan Apocalypse. I’m talking about 2012 as the Year of Faith! …Queue cricket sounds…OK, I know at first glance the “Year of Faith” doesn’t seem all that exciting or noteworthy. And I know as Catholics we’re supposed to be excited about it, even though we might...

Seeing the shot above, one can almost hear that now-famous Midwestern voice saying, "Allright, everybody...." For Timothy Michael Dolan, this weekend caps a meteoric rise of the kind only he could make look natural. To use just one example, before the 62 year-old prelate, never have the terms "Archbishop of New York" and "President of the American Bishops" been able to exist in the same sentence, unless historians were discussing the dual legitimacy which Francis Spellman lusted, and even John O'Connor earnestly sought, yet neither would ever know. Of course, not even two years after his appointment to the...

Pope Benedict Shares Sober Remarks on American Culture with Local Bishops and Issues a Call to the LaityBy: Msgr. Charles Pope On January 19,  Pope Benedict addressed bishops from the District of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, and the Virgin Islands. These U.S. bishops were in Rome for their periodic “ad limina” visits, which included meetings with the pope and Vatican officials, covering a wide range of pastoral matters.His words provide some sober reflection for us. As is usually the case, I would like to provide excerpts of the Pope’s remarks...

The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Had To Do… Jan 6th, 2012by Gary Zimak. During the fourth watch of the night, He came toward them, walking on the sea.  When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.  “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.  At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”  Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.”  Peter got out of the boat and began to walk...

Father Cantalamessa's 4th Advent Sermon "The Current Wave of Evangelization" VATICAN CITY, DEC. 23, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the final Advent sermon by Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher of the pontifical household, which was delivered today.* * *1. A new audience for the proclamation"Prope est iam Dominus: venite, adoremus" (The Lord is close at hand; come, let us worship him). We begin this meditation just as the Liturgy of the Hours begins in the days that precede Christmas in such a way that it may also serve as part of our preparation for the solemnity.I have...

Father Cantalamessa's 2nd Advent Sermon "The Second Wave of Evangelization" ROME, DEC. 15, 2011 (ZENIT.org).- Here is a translation of the second Advent sermon by Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher of the pontifical household. It was delivered last Friday, Dec. 9.* * *"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free."The second, great wave of Evangelization, after the Barbarian invasions.In this meditation I want to talk of the second great wave of Evangelization in the history of the Church, that which followed the fall of the Roman Empire and the mix of nations caused by the Barbarian invasions. I...

Father Cantalamessa's 1st Advent Sermon "The First Wave of Evangelization" ROME, DEC. 8, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the first Advent sermon delivered last Friday, Dec. 2, by Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher of the pontifical household.* *"Go into all the world"The first wave of evangelizationIn response to the Supreme Pontiff's call for a renewed commitment to evangelization and by way of preparation for the 2012 synod of bishops on the same issue, I intend to identify in these Advent meditations four waves of evangelization in the history of the Church, that is, four moments in which...

Evangelists Ralph Martin and Curtis Martin (L to R) Denver, Colo., Dec 8, 2011 / 11:38 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Catholics must rediscover their religious identity and mission, according to two new American appointees to the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization.“In a certain sense we don't have an option,” said Curtis Martin, founder and president of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). He was named as a consultant for the council on Dec. 7, along with Sacred Heart Major Seminary Professor Dr. Ralph Martin.“If we continue to do what we've been doing the last 40 years, we're on...

Evangelize? Sorry, But I’m Catholic! June 18th, 2010 by Gary ZimakCatholics are known for many things, such as novenas, devotions to saints, love for the Blessed Mother, and abstaining from meat on Lenten Fridays.  One thing that generally doesn’t come to mind when we hear the word “Catholic” is evangelization.  To be totally honest, the vast majority of Catholics view evangelization as a negative thing.  There is a belief among many Catholics that our relationship with God is a highly personal matter and that “we shouldn’t impose our religious beliefs on others”.  I must admit that I felt this way...

A Tale of Two Friends Francis Xavier, Ignatius of Loyola, and the Power of Friendship in the Lord By: Patricia Mitchell and Louise Perrotta St. Francis Xavier—the sixteenth-century Jesuit who spread the gospel in India, Indonesia, and Japan—has been called the greatest missionary since St. Paul. This intrepid priest broke new ground and evangelized on a large scale, despite great dangers, deprivations, and hardships.In only ten years, Francis opened so many doors and led so many people to Christ that it’s easy to forget how simply his story began. Like each of us, he first had to meet Jesus...

VATICAN CITY (EWTN News/CNA) — Pope Benedict XVI is encouraging Catholic and Orthodox Christians to work together in re-evangelizing traditionally Christian countries. “For a renewed proclamation of the Gospel in the modern world we need evangelizers animated by the same apostolic zeal of (St.) Paul,” the Pope said in a letter to mark the close of the 12th Inter-Christian Symposium. Over the past four days, the symposium has brought together both Catholic and Orthodox scholars in the Greek city of Thessaloniki to discuss the topic of “The Witness of the Church in the Modern World.” The Pope described the theme...

Countercultural Witnesses The Uganda Martyrs By: Bob French In his living room wall, Matthew Segaali has a painting of twenty-two young men and boys in Ugandan tribal dress. Some of them are standing in front of a backdrop of upraised spears; the rest, in front of flames as tall as they are.While it appears that they are about to be put to death, the expressions on their faces are of peace, trust, and even joy. One of them is holding a palm branch; others have their hands folded in prayer; and others are clasping a cross or a rosary.They...

The Need of Zeal Most Rev. Fulton J. Sheen "I Thirst.” The Fifth Word from the Cross The cry, "I thirst," refers not to physical thirst. It was His soul that was burning and His Heart that was on fire. He was thirsting for the souls of men. The Shepherd was lonely without His sheep; the Creator was yearning for His creatures; the First-born was looking for His brethren. All during His life He had been searching for souls. He left heaven to find them among the thorns; it mattered little if they made a crown of, them for...

Thousands Joining Church at Easter in US Bishops' Conference Features Conversion Stories Online WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 15, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Tens of thousands of new Catholics are expected to join the Church at Easter, including a former Planned Parenthood director and seven members of the same family. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released the statistics of those expected to join the Church based on participation in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, a step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults that takes place at the beginning of Lent.Among those preparing to enter the...

On Saturday, February 6, 2011 Pope Benedict XVI preached a profound homily before he ordained five priests to the office of Bishop. The Homily was an instruction on the office and mission of Bishops as successors of the Apostles.Pope Benedict XVI explained the Bishops' call to an "ecclesial existence". What is also notable about this homily is the Pope's emphasis on the missionary mandate of the whole Church. This is a recurring theme in the allocutions of Pope Benedict XVI... The contemporary culture has thrown off almost every remnant of Christian influence and embraced a new paganism. What Pope Benedict...

...Pope Benedict reminds us all that the Church "exists to evangelize" with an urgency reminiscent of the Saint whose feast we celebrated the day this message was made public. He writes,"This task has lost none of its urgency.We cannot rest easy at the thought that, after two thousand, there are people who still do not know Christ, who have not yet heard His message of salvation." Here he is speaking of the missionary mandate of the Church "ad gentes" , to the Nations. The Church has always taught that every single human being on the face of the earth has...

There may be 30 million "recovering Catholics" (as they often call themselves) out there, across America, north of the Rio Grande -- this according to a study cited by the Boston archdiocese. Perhaps 10 percent of the adult population of the United States count among our own lost sheep. It was part of their "market research" for a public relations and media campaign they will launch for Lent in the approaching year. Unspecified but large amounts of money are being raised specially and painfully in a district of the Church under real financial stress to pay for this "media...

Scots Line Streets to Welcome Benedict XVI Pontiff Completes 1st Day of UK Trip By Edward Pentin EDINBURGH, Scotland, SEPT. 16, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI landed at Edinburgh airport shortly before half past ten this morning amid a blustery and chill wind. But the sun was also shining brightly and the Holy Father looked rested, at peace and happy as he came off the papal plane. He was greeted by the Duke of Edinburgh, an unprecedented gesture signifying how much the Crown values this, the first state by a Pope. Also there to meet him were the primates of Scotland,...

dozens of soldiers who refused to attend a Christian band's concert at a Virginia military base were banished to their barracks and told to clean them up. Col. Thomas Collins said the military shouldn't impose religious views on soldiers. "..it would be contrary to Army policy,". Pvt. Anthony Smith said he and other soldiers felt pressured to attendt. "My whole issue was I don't need to be preached at," Smith said "That's not what I signed up for." Christian rock group BarlowGirl played as part of the "Commanding General's Spiritual Fitness Concerts." Smith said a staff sergeant told 200 men...

Benedict XVI Creates Council for New Evangelization Will Be Dedicated to Secularized Christian Countries VATICAN CITY, JUNE 28, 2010 (Zenit.org).- To ward off secularization in nations where the Gospel put down roots centuries ago, Benedict XVI is creating a new pontifical council.The Pope announced the newest Vatican dicastery today, as he was celebrating vespers for Tuesday's feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. This council -- dedicated to a "renewed evangelization" -- will be the 12th of the Roman Curia. There are also nine congregations. "Man of the third millennium also desires an authentic and full life, he has need of...

A Tri-Lingual Catholic Blitz: An Interview with Carlos Caso-Rosendi June 21st, 2010 by Shane Kapler Once you’ve encountered him, Carlos Caso-Rosendi is impossible to forget.  Not only is he passionately taking the Gospel to the world – he’s doing it in three different languages!  A convert to Catholicism from the Jehovah’s Witnesses, he is founder of the Primera Luz online apostolate, offering Spanish-speaking (and soon English and Portuguese) peoples an intellectually satisfying and culturally engaging presentation of the Faith.  He has been featured on EWTN programs such as The Journey Home and Nuestra Fe en Vivo. And, as if this...

Catholics are known for many things, such as novenas, devotions to saints, love for the Blessed Mother, and abstaining from meat on Lenten Fridays.  One thing that generally doesn’t come to mind when we hear the word “Catholic” is evangelization.  To be totally honest, the vast majority of Catholics view evangelization as a negative thing.  There is a belief among many Catholics that our relationship with God is a highly personal matter and that “we shouldn’t impose our religious beliefs on others”.  I must admit that I felt this way for many years.  Even though I went to Mass every...

The rumors began with the respected reporting of Andrea Tornielli. He is the eminently reliable Vatican correspondent for the daily Il Giornale. His report was then picked up by the Vaticanisti and ever reliable, John L. Allen, Jr., the only good thing about the National Catholic Reporter these days. In an April 25, 2010 in NCR Allen wrote: "According to a report from a well-connected Italian Vatican writer, Pope Benedict XVI will shortly announce the creation of a "Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization," to be presided over by Italian Archbishop Rino Fisichella. The office will be dedicated to rekindling...

Rome, Italy, Jan 26, 2010 / 01:19 pm (CNA).- In his homily during the celebration of Vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls on Monday evening, Benedict XVI outlined the essential elements of convergence between all Christian faiths. He also called for a "new, intense evangelization" to respond to important issues in the world today."In a world marked by religious indifference, and even by a growing aversion towards the Christian faith, a new, intense evangelization is necessary, not only among people that have never known the Gospel, but also among those in which Christianity has been spread and is...

...The Pope’s travels are not only good will trips; they are the modern missionary journeys of the Vicar of Christ. They are chosen strategically, led by the Holy Spirit and have a prophetic purpose as part of a plan for that full communion. Similarly, his speech in Regensburg is the first step in engaging an ascendant Islam with the Truth claims of Christianity. He will do so with respect, but he will do so and we must do so as well, as part of the Church. The hungry secularism which has fueled what he so aptly called the “dictatorship of...

The London Times has reported that Pope Benedict XVI will visit Britain next year. If this wonderful news is confirmed it will mark the first official visit by a Pope. Pope John Paul II made a pastoral visit in 1982. The Times reports that this historic visit will soon be confirmed by the Vatican. It will take place next September. Further, that “…during his time in the country, expected to take place in September next year, Pope Benedict will have a meeting with the Queen, Supreme Governor of the Church of England and will be accorded the full panoply of...

Most of those reading this article will easily remember the story. We heard it so many times when we were children we could repeat the beginning: “Chicken Little was in the woods one day when an acorn fell on her head. It scared her so much she trembled all over. She shook so hard, half her feathers fell out. Chicken Little: "Help! Help! The sky is falling! I have to go tell the king!" The story proceeds through many different encounters and ends with the little chicken learning the lessons of courage and the practicality of good preparation for every...

Go! Rebuild My Church! May 1st, 2009 by Father Angelus Shaughnessy, O.F.M. Cap. The sanctuary flame has died. The sanctuary lamp is broken and scattered. The altar and the pews and the confessionals have been cut up for firewood. The Tabernacle, emptied, is carried away along with the Sacred Vessels: chalices, ciboria, monstrance, censer and boat and pyx. The candles and the candelabra have been stolen. The crucifix and statues are broken and busted into a million pieces. The altar cloths and corporals and purificators have disappeared. The stained glass windows have been punched out. The church is filthy and...

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 26, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says the priority for the Church today is above all to nourish itself with the Word of God, so as to bring forward the new evangelization.

In these days I too have come, as the Successor of Saint Peter, to this magnificent land of Australia. I have come to confirm you, my young brothers and sisters, in your faith and to encourage you to open your hearts to the power of Christ's Spirit and the richness of his gifts. I pray that this great assembly, which unites young people "from every nation under heaven" (cf. Acts 2:5), will be a new Upper Room. May the fire of God's love descend to fill your hearts, unite you ever more fully to the Lord and his Church, and...

Dear friends, life is not governed by chance; it is not random. Your very existence has been willed by God, blessed and given a purpose (cf. Gen 1:28)! Life is not just a succession of events or experiences, helpful though many of them are. It is a search for the true, the good and the beautiful. It is to this end that we make our choices; it is for this that we exercise our freedom; it is in this – in truth, in goodness, and in beauty – that we find happiness and joy. Do not be fooled by those...

How can we evangelize today? Why do only about ten percent of the baptized Catholics go to Sunday Mass regularly? Why are we so preoccupied with the problems in our parishes, such as the tension between the parish and ecclesial movements, instead of being more worried about the ninety percent of the people who do not frequent the parish? There are many fish in the sea! The document on new religious movements (1986) suggests that we look at what is lacking in our parishes so as not to loose more parishioners as well as to attract new people. It is...

"The Canadian government has ordered a Christian ministry that teaches doctrine and the differences between Christians and cults shut down because its reference materials were "critical" of the beliefs of those who are not Christian, WND has learned."..... For example, the ministry addresses the issue of "fads," including a "creeping Eastern mysticism" appearing in some churches, "turning meaningful prayer meetings into mind-emptying rituals called contemplative prayer promising experiences of a spiritual nature." "Feelings have often replaced the solid word of God," the website warns. "Numerous churches have become 'seeker' churches, disposing of the parts of the Gospel message that might...

The Pew Report should not be a cause for alarm but an invitation to engage in the New Evangelization of the Church and then to engage the New Missionary Age.

Note: This commentary was delivered by Prison Fellowship President Mark Earley. Every week during the fall, approximately 70,000 people attend NFL games in cities like Detroit and Houston. They pay hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for the privilege, and, if all goes well, they come away with some happy memories. Every week throughout the year in China, approximately 70,000 people do something very different: they, too, pay a price, but it’s not measured in money. And what they come away with not only changes their lives but promises to change a nation, a continent, and even the world. According...

Carl E. OlsonDo not be afraid Evangelization cannot be overemphasized because of the love of God for all of our souls A few years ago, I was talking with a close relative, a fundamentalist Protestant, about why I became Catholic. Puzzled and not satisfied with my various explanations, he asked, "Did you become Catholic so you could teach Catholics the Gospel?" The implication seemed to be that since he thought I was still a "true Christian," I must have never really become Catholic, and so my foray into the Church of Rome must be part of a well-intentioned attempt to...

Catholic Schools Must Commit to the "New Evangelization", Australian Bishops Exhort Make the most of "the sense of adventure" in renewing Catholic education By Elizabeth O'BrienSYDNEY, Australia, August 8, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Australian bishops have issued a pastoral letter calling for a renewal of vigorous commitment to John Paul II's call for a "new evangelization" in every aspect of the Catholic school system.Earlier this year, Sydney Archbishop Cardinal George Pell requested that all school principals, deputy principals and religious education co-ordinators within the diocese pledge fidelity to Catholic Church teaching. In response to the increasing secularization of the school...

The Colombian daily, “El Tiempo,” published a column by a priest who said he has seen Madonna’s DVD of her latest concert tour and defends her “crucifixion” and nudity and calls the show a model of evangelization. In a column entitled, “Madonna: A Suggestive Presentation of Jesus,” Father Carlos Novoa, SJ, ex-dean of the Department of Theology at the Javeriana University, said he was impressed by the “deep spirituality” of some of Madonna’s choreography and claimed her parody of the crucifixion “is not a mockery of the cross, but rather the complete opposite: An exaltation of the mystery of the...

Young Catholics of Denver are joining with their Archbishop, Charles Chaput, in an effort to reach-out and evangelize the very heart of their city.  “Takin’ it to the Streets” aims at engaging the community — both religious and secular — in extensive conversations about the Catholic Church and Her teachings. The evangelization program aims at “igniting the faith of the Catholic community and sparking the faith of those encountered,” says event coordinator Maria Gartner. The full-day event March 31 will begin at 8:30 a.m. with Eucharistic adoration and prayer at Denver’s downtown Holy Ghost Church. Missionaries will then move out...

ROME, JAN. 21, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The advent of the Internet and other new media technologies is rapidly expanding the ways for churches and religious organizations to promote their message. On Jan. 3 the Fides news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples published the first part of a dossier, "The People of God on the Internet." The report says that in Italy it is almost impossible to count the number of Catholic sites due to the rapid growth in this sector. The number of links gives an idea of how the Catholic sites are flourishing. Links to one...

The Grain of Wheat: R.I.P. Pope John Paul II By Deacon Keith Fournier © Third Millennium, LLC “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” John 12: 21-24 Like multiple millions throughout the...

Christian Courage Christian courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost, because God promises to help you and save you on account of Christ. An act takes courage if it will likely be painful. The pain may be physical, as in war and rescue operations. Or the pain may be mental as in confrontation and controversy. Courage is indispensable for both spreading and preserving the truth of Christ. Jesus promised that spreading the gospel would meet resistance: "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be...

Easter Greetings to all my Freeper Friends! For those who are interested in or have followed ENVOY, the Catholic apologetics magazine and apostolate that I direct, the latest monthly Envoy Update Letter, which outlines our current circumstances, is now available online. Please remember us and the apostolate in your prayers. Thanks, and best wishes to all for a happy and blessed Triduum. Patrick

PLEASE READ, AND IF YOU AGREE, PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION An Open Letter and Respectful Petition Dear Mr. Gibson, We, the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, together with the undersigned, wish to publicly express our gratitude to you and all those who participated in your recent production, "The Passion of the Christ". We who have viewed this film agree that it is not simply another movie about Our Lord, but an extraordinary work of sacred art. Your creative efforts have offered us new spiritual insights and have led us into...

Mel’s Passion, the New Evangelization and You 2/20/04 On Monday night, America watched as Mel Gibson defended his movie, his motives and his faith to Diane Sawyer on PrimeTime Live, unabashedly giving the reason for his hope and ours. In an extraordinarily rare moment, a major Hollywood star gave viewers a Catechism lesson on the Catholic faith and shared the gospel in clear and unequivocal terms with millions watching. In This Article...A God-Given Opportunity for EvangelizationArm Yourself with the TruthNow is the Time to Act A God-Given Opportunity for Evangelization Through his words, we witnessed Gibson’s personal descent into...

Catholics plan 'Passion' evangelismNew website urges faithful to use film in sharing with family, friends Posted: February 9, 20045:00 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...

So you think that evangelizing your family and friends, coworkers and neighbors is an impossible dream? Think again. God wants to work through you, regardless of your circumstances — in your office, your home, your social circles, your parish — to search out and rescue those who have drifted or are starting to drift away from the Faith. All He needs to work with is a willing heart. Here are a few lessons from the life of St. Francis de Sales about how God can make you His coworker in the vast drama of salvation.

Winning New Convertsby Father John McCloskey PLEASE PRINT & DISTRIBUTE TO OTHERS As the Catechism reminds us, winning converts to our Faith should be a constant concern for all Catholics: "The true apostle is on the lookout for occasions of announcing Christ by word, either to unbelievers...or to the faithful" (#905). How should we go about it? People are brought to the Church one by one. God pours out his saving grace in many ways, but He normally requires, and we could even say desires, the willing collaboration of his sons and daughters in this joyful task. Winning converts...