All Articles

Inspired by St. Teresa of Calcutta, a reflection on why faithfulness — not results — is the true mark of Christian mission. (Photo: Lightstock) By Meg Stout In the world, success is the standard of all things worth doing. It exerts such quiet authority over our thinking that even our noblest efforts are instinctively weighed by their results. Even if we are, by some extraordinary grace, completely purified of vainglory, we still want that to which we are devoted to achieve th

A reflection on how intentional relationships and simple witness could transform lives and expand God’s Kingdom. (Photo: Adobe Stock) By Edgar Mares Evangelization Specialist Archdiocese of Denver Have you ever reflected on the impact on the world if, as Catholics, we were always ready, attentive and looking for opportunities to expand the Kingdom of God? How would this affect those closest to us, our acquaintances and those we encounter in passing? How would their lives chan

Through heartfelt sharing, Scripture, storytelling, the kerygma and prayer, we can effectively invite others to come to know Jesus. Pope Francis visits a Brazilian favela during World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Tânia Rêgo/Agência Brasil via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 br) By Meg Stout When we think of evangelization, what comes to mind? Do we feel equipped to evangelize? We might pressure ourselves with high expectations, thinking we must have the eq

Part Five: As we accompany others towards Jesus, we must find places, spaces and times in which we and others can be vulnerable. Hikers pause for a sunset view during a young adult camping weekend co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Denver, Annunciation Heights and Mission House Denver. (Photo by Allison Holdridge) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps t

To walk with others in accompaniment and evangelization, we must have a profound respect for them, rooted in love. Burning Bush by Sébastien Bourdon, c. 17th century, in the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) By Meg Stout When we consider the important task of evangelization, we are often caught up in the many ways we can share the Gospel — by providing a testimony, sharing Scripture, praying together or explaining a teac

Thoughts and tips on how to preach the Gospel of hope even amid difficult times (Photo: Lightstock) By Hilary Draftz FOCUS “I stopped going to church when my mother died.” "I wish I had the faith you have, but I just don’t see how a good God could allow so much evil in the world.” “At this point, I’ve gone too far to change my life. God couldn’t forgive me for what I’ve done.” These statements come from real interactions I have had with a variety of friends, family and acquai

(Photo: Adobe Stock) "You are the light of the world. … You are the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13-14 When Jesus speaks these words, he is not addressing an elite few. He is speaking to ordinary disciples, to people with families, jobs, limitations, fears and questions. People like you and me. Every baptized Catholic shares in the mission of Christ. We are invited, indeed privileged, to go in search of the lost sheep, to bring light into darkness and to offer hope to those

Part Four: To evangelize well, we must first be good and holy friends. (Photo: Lightstock) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps towards intentional accompaniment. Part One: A Practical Guide for Everyday Catholics Part Two: Be A Disciple First Part Three: Discern Who to Accompany Part Five: Build Zones of Freedom It’s been fifteen grueling months, but

Part Three: Intentional accompaniment and evangelization must be taken to prayer first. Before he chose his disciples, Jesus went up the mountain to pray intentionally. Like him, we who are evangelizers (hint: every Catholic!) are called to pray about whom he's calling us to accompany. (Photo: Lightstock) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps towards in

Part Two: Why evangelization begins with personal conversion and encounter with Jesus Christ. (Photo: Lightstock) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps towards intentional accompaniment. Part One: A Practical Guide for Everyday Catholics Part Three: Discern Who to Accompany Part Four: Build Authentic Friendships Part Five: Build Zones of Freedom My dad

Part One: Rediscovering Jesus’ original vision for discipleship. (Photo: Lightstock) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps towards intentional accompaniment. Part Two: Be A Disciple First Part Three: Discern Who to Accompany Part Four: Build Authentic Friendships Part Five: Build Zones of Freedom The evangelist, Matthew, concludes his Gospel with the fa