A mom relayed this story to me about her son’s evangelization plan. After Mass he told his mom he had a great idea on how to use the flyers from children’s liturgy. He would take them and make them into paper airplanes and fly them towards other kids who would then open them up, read them, and learn about Jesus! She told him she wasn’t sure about making airplanes but maybe giving them out instead would be a better idea.
She thought I would enjoy the story and she was right: it is definitely a perk of being a faith formation director to hear about young minds thinking about how to tell people about Jesus. And it reminded me that we are all called to evangelize. Age, training, education or wisdom is not what is needed to lead others to Jesus. A sincere heart and love of others is what you need.
And it is simple. If you are reading this, you have interest in Catholicism, learning about the faith, and possibly spreading the faith.
So what do you do next? Invite a friend to Mass with you or scripture study or a parish social event or your parish mission. Maybe it’s a family member you want to invite. Do it. Ask. Then you get a yes or a no; if no, fine; if yes, smile but don’t jump up and done with such excitement you frighten the folks.
And remember, this may take some time and it will definitely take prayer. You may have to ask more than once and say more than one prayer, but be persistent. And gentle.
Recently my parents decided to start going back to Mass. It has taken a few years to get them there, but I have no doubt that it is in part due to spending time at church for non-liturgical events and meeting lots of people who are practicing Catholics who live their faith. I also know there were and still are many prayers said for this intention.
Go on now, make some paper airplanes.
Copyright © 2013, Deanna Bartalini
Deanna Bartalini
Deanna G. Bartalini, is a Catholic writer, speaker, and educator. She serves on the retreat team at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Deanna loves teaching about Catholicism and how it fits into our daily lives. She writes at DeannaBartalini.com, serves as the editor of the NewEvangelizers.com blog, and is a contributor there as well as at AmazingCatechists.com. Deanna contributed to A Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion published by Ave Maris Press. She is the author of “Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life: Growing in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control” published by Our Sunday Visitor. Deanna is available to lead retreats and speak at catechist and ministry events.
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