Parish Information

 

Evangelization is the essential mission of the Church.

 

What do we mean when we talk about evangelization? The word "evangelization" means, literally, "communication of the gospel," the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ (The root word Euagelizo means "good news."). Evangelization is further defined as an ongoing endeavor to grow in our own faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, to share our faith with others and invite them into our faith community, and to work with all people of good will to transform society with the values of Christ. (Evangelization Handbook, Archdiocese of Milwaukee)

 

In February 2010, Gina Kuemmel, Director of Evangelization at St. Gregory the Great Parish in Milwaukee, presented a day-long workshop on evangelization to SMG parish staff and council members.

 

Fr. Mike's Vision Statement for the 2010-11 St. Maria Goretti Pastoral Council puts the mission of becoming a more evangelizing parish at the top. The focus of the council will be on increasing diversity in the parish; to have a "welcoming" spirit toward people, especially new parishioners; to connect with present members as well as invite new members; and to develop our RCIA and Adult Confirmation.

 

Your Parish Pastoral Council's central focus is on the theme of evangelization.

Now, before that word startles you, consider its core meaning in the Catholic faith. Really, it’s simply the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, as it has been entrusted to the Church He established. When we evangelize, we explain the truths of the Catholic faith and invite people to consider them. We offer them a welcome into the house that God built for them. This can mean connecting with one another, inviting those who have fallen away from the faith or extending ourselves to those who have never known the faith at all. When you really think about it, shouldn’t evangelization be the over-arching umbrella over everything we do as a parish and as a people of God?

So, some questions are before us:
  • How can we further experience fellowship and connectedness?
  • How do we foster that culture of inclusion and invitation?
  • How do we cultivate a spirit of evangelization?
These are no small matters. And so, we invite your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Feel free to contact a Council member or the Parish office. We look ahead eagerly to becoming more the people God wants us to be … together!

 

  • Bring about an enthusiasm for the Catholic faith
  • Invite all people to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ
  • Foster Gospel values in our society; be Christ in the world, encouraging others to join us in mission