Renewing the Passion for Proclaiming Christ
by Dianne Martin
I am privileged to become a member of the Alpha team, having been recently appointed Alpha USA's National Catholic Coordinator. Building on many years experience with Catholic evangelization and Alpha, it is my role to assist Catholics in using the Alpha course in parishes and dioceses as a practical first step in a process of evangelization. I am here to assist and serve you in any way that I can.
When addressing the Japanese Bishops, Pope Benedict XVI said this: “The need to proclaim Christ boldly and courageously is a continuing priority for the Church; indeed it is a solemn duty laid upon her by Christ who enjoined the Apostles to ‘go out to the whole world, proclaim the Good News to all creation.”1
More than a challenge for the Bishops, this is a challenge for us all. It is the right and responsibility given to Catholics by virtue of our Baptism. Obligation is often not the best motivator. What compels us to share the Good News is a personal encounter with the love of Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. What makes Alpha an essential tool for our mission is that it provides the opportunity for people to experience the person of Christ.
Keeping the flame of passion burning brightly requires spending time with the Lord, growing in our relationship with him, and sharing His heart for those who are disconnected from Him—those who are marginalized, or on the fringes of the Church, or who have never heard the Gospel. Renewing our passion for spreading the Gospel also means gathering together with others to hear how Jesus Christ is changing lives and bringing transformation to our world one person at a time.
Renew your passion by attending a Converge Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity to renew our vision for outreach using Alpha and gain fresh enthusiasm for our personal role in the mission of the Church. Testimonies and teachings combine to bring new insight and inspiration so that we can be tireless in our efforts. A workshop and lunchtime gathering are being planned to give Catholics an opportunity to ask questions as well as to hear how Alpha is working in parishes. Plan now to attend and bring your team to this exciting event. I would love to meet you and explore together new ways to use Alpha and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ!
1(Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Japanese Bishops, December 2007)
April 9, 2008
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