What is evangelization?  In simplest terms, it means to preach the gospel.  The Church tells us that “…the work of evangelization is a basic duty of the People of God.”  As Catholics, we are called by Jesus to evangelize and bring others to Him.  It is not simply a “good” thing to do.  It is an obligation that all Catholics are called to fulfill.

Let’s look at evangelization in a different way.  Suppose you have a brother that you love dearly and are very proud of.  He is a great guy.  He is there when you need him.  You can always go to him with your problems.  He listens and comforts you.  If you ask for something that is good for you, he provides.  Even when you hurt or offend him, he will always forgive you.  You know beyond a doubt that your brother loves you so much he would even die for you.  Not only that, he is leaving you and all who love him a bountiful inheritance.

Wouldn’t you want others in your life to also know and love this great guy; to share in the inheritance? That is what evangelization is – introducing those you hold dear to your brother, Jesus, and sharing the wonder and joy of knowing him. 

Evangelization Team Mission Statement: To foster an awareness among parishioners and ministries of every Catholic’s duty to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and to assist them in preparing to live out that responsibility with courage and love.  

There are many ways in which the Evangelization Team, or E-Team as it is called, reaches out to introduce people to Jesus and/or help them to get to know Him better.  Some of these efforts include:

• Hosting an evangelization table at our annual parish carnival.  People visiting the table may take, without cost, religious items, bibles and other books on the faith.  They have an opportunity to write prayer requests or pray with E-Team members about their special intentions. They can also talk with a Team member about their faith concerns and learn of resources for strengthening their faith.

• Arranging an annual 40 Hours Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament during which our parish offers prayers of adoration and petition asking Jesus to pour out His graces upon us.

• Creating and publishing brochures to get the word out about parish Lenten and Advent opportunities to grow in faith.

• Organizing parish participation in the Robbinsville St. Patrick’s Day parade and other community events so as to welcome community members to our parish and to give those we encounter an opportunity to hear about our faith and ask questions.

• Representing the parish of St. Gregory, the Great in the procession honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe through the streets of Trenton.

• Participating in the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe by organizing a prayer ribbon campaign where by prayer request were completed by parishioners and tied to the railings outside the church.

• Conducting an Advent reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem so we may experience the trials they face and better prepare a place in our hearts to welcome the King of Kings.

• Celebrating the lighting of the parish Christmas tree in anticipation of the coming of baby Jesus.

• Distributing “door knob hangers” to neighborhood homes to welcome people to participate in our parish Lenten observances.

• Running an exciting hands-on evangelization training program that teaches participants how to share their faith comfortably yet boldly and introduce Jesus to family and friends.

• Reaching out to our college students through our Prayer and Pen program. The program remembers college students with prayers, cards and notes.