What characterizes an
evangelizing community?
This is a summary of Fr. Earl Fernandes' article
explaining the characteristics of what our Families of Faith are called to be.
(Families of Faith are explained in Archbishop Schnurr's Beacons of Light video above.)
First, we are a Church that goes forth. We are missionaries. Going forth demands courageously leaving our comfort zone.
Second, the community of missionary disciples shows initiative. The Spanish word primerear captures this idea of being proactive rather than reactive. Here in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, we cannot afford to wait for people to come to us; rather, we must seize the initiative and become “spiritual entrepreneurs.”
Third, the evangelizing community is engaged with its members. Pope Francis has used the word balconear, which means to stand on the balcony to see what is happening without personal engagement. The priest cannot do everything. He must encourage his people to get involved by identifying and utilizing the talents and gifts of his flock.
Fourth, a community of missionary disciples accompanies others. A family's father must lead his family, spend time with his family, and offer encouragement, keeping the family together. Accompaniment entails guiding, encouraging, supporting and uniting. The pastor must lead the process, accompanying his own people, learning about their joys, sorrows, hopes and needs, and offering encouragement. This demands listening and empathizing on his part. At the same time, the parish community walks with him, with each member playing a role in strengthening each other, serving as bridges, rather than barriers, in a united effort to evangelize.
Fifth, the evangelizing community is fruitful. Fruitfulness demands discernment and patience. The parable of the weeds and wheat speaks of discerning what is from the Son of Man, who sows good seeds in the field, from the weeds, sown by the devil. Jesus warns of the need to be patient and discerning because things are not always initially clear. Patience and discernment allow us to move forward. It is particularly necessary for all of us to help the faithful understand why Beacons of Light is happening and to accept the reality of change.
The final characteristic of an evangelizing community is joy. The Eucharist is the sacrament of Christian joy. In the Eucharist, the joy Jesus has won is not only preserved and shared, but perdures. The Church celebrates the Eucharist with the spousal joy of one promised to Christ. It is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.
Father Earl K. Fernandes is the pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola Church
in Cincinnati and holds a doctorate in moral theology
from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome.
Click below to read his entire article:
