00699543 The Diocese of Lake Charles lcdiocese.org Vol. 37, No. 17 Bishop Provost Announces New Evangelization Initiative At the recent August meeting of diocesan leadership for diocese, I am proposing initial questions to be considered for future comprehensive consideration and action. Long Range Planning, Bishop Glen John Provost made the by each of the above Councils. These questions arise in my How do we proceed with a New Evangelization Initia- following announcement regarding plans to begin a New mind from both recent and past studies conducted in the tive? I propose three steps for this Initiative in moving to a Evangelization Initiative in the Diocese of Lake Charles: Diocese of Lake Charles and from our recent efforts, on the conclusion. First, over the coming months both Councils I wish to propose a New Evangelization Initiative for the part of diocesan leadership, to formulate the Quinquennial could address these questions and others separately, draw Diocese of Lake Charles. Such an effort is, I believe, impor- Report for the 2012 ad limina visit. My questions for pur- tant for two reasons. First, the New Evangelization contin- poses of discussion are these: summary conclusions, and consolidate these in a recom- ues to be an ongoing pastoral concern for the Church. It is mendation. In this way there is an organic approach which not a new topic and remains a priority for Church leader- 1. While studies report an increase in the Catholic popu- allows for adaptation and focus. I would ask the two Coun- ship. Second, there has been a growing awareness in this lation of our Diocese, why is there a decreased num- cils to keep in mind the following emphases: 1) that we particular Diocese of pressing needs in the area of preach- ber of Catholics in sacramental participation (cf. sta- seek to address a revitalization of the Church and its mes- ing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promoting the mission of tus animarum and October Headcount reports)? sage in our Diocese; 2) that we surface concrete measures the Church. We should not ignore the “signs of the times” to further the evangelizing mission of the Church in our that repeatedly manifest themselves in our own experience 2) Why are there significantly fewer participants in reli- Diocese; and 3) that we keep focused on two groups of and in the pastoral life of our faithful. gious education programs in the West and Central Pope Benedict XVI has announced that the topic of the Deaneries and only a slight increase in the East Catholics, those who already practice who desire a deeper 13th General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to Deanery (cf. Blue Ribbon Religious Education Re- relationship with and understanding of Jesus Christ and be convoked next year (October 7 to 28, 2012) will be “The port)? His Church and those who no longer practice their faith, do New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian 3) What do we judge to be effective evangelization initia- so irregularly or have fallen away. Faith.” The “New Evangelization” has been the topic of tives in our parishes? Second, the two Councils having completed their work, a much writing and consideration in the papacies of both the second step would be for the Diocesan leadership, includ- Servant of God Pope Paul VI and Blessed Pope John Paul 4) What impacts negatively on evangelization in our ing the offices of the various Secretaries, to review these II. In a recent statement, the General Secretary of the Syn- parishes? conclusions and offer their observations and input. od of Bishops, H.E. Msgr. Nikola Eterovic, (March 4, 2011), presented the lineamenta or specific parameters for topics 5) In our own experience, what “works” in our parishes Finally, a conclusion with practical proposals would be under consideration. In this document an important dis- and what does not “work” in the areas of worship, ed- presented to me, at which point I would formulate a plan in tinction is made between evangelization ad gentes, i.e. an- ucation, and charitable outreach? consultation with the two Councils. There is only one im- nouncing the message to those who do not yet know Jesus 6) In our own parish, what new programs have been in- perative: that the conclusion offers concrete and practical Christ, and the new evangelization, i.e. announcing the mes- troduced over the last ten years to promote the evan- measures for furthering the New Evangelization in the Dio- sage to people already baptized who have drifted away gelization of the faithful? cese of Lake Charles. from the Church or lack adequate evangelization. I daresay that any good pastor is constantly involved in The General Secretary in his statement makes clear that 7) Catholic schools are generally perceived as an oppor- reassessing evangelization in his parish. We review annu- the lineamenta are divided in three categories that reflect tunity to evangelize our young people. In parishes the theme of the upcoming Synod. The first is timing. The that own a Catholic school or participate in its ad- ally our catechetical texts and regularly the content of our New Evangelization has been an emphasis consistently un- ministration, does this school effectively evangelize preaching. We attend continuing education programs and der the pontificates of Pope Benedict XVI and his two pre- or where could it better evangelize? rededicate ourselves repeatedly to deepening the spiritual decessors, beginning with Evangelii Nuntiandi (1974) and life. We update our parish census and get to know our ac- 8) Over the last few decades, there has been a deepening Catechesi Tradendae (1977). I have repeatedly made men- of understanding or a shift of emphasis in the work of tive and inactive parishioners. This initiative and whatever tion of this latter document in addressing my concerns ecumenical outreach. What is your understanding of fruit comes from it should not be seen as replacing any pas- about catechesis in our diocese. The New Evangelization the Catholic Church’s relationship with other eccle- toral work. Rather this initiative acknowledges the good continues to be of timely concern for a number of reasons, sial communities in our diocese? Where should be not the least of which are the growing secularization of our work already taking place and also recognizes that the the emphasis? society, economic inequalities, rapid developments in sci- Catholic Church in the Diocese can always improve its out- entific and technological research, changes in political 9) Generally “Catholic identity” is seen as diminishing reach for the sake of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Also, no structures, migration, and social communications. (cf. research studies by Pew and CARA show fewer pastoral initiative, however effective, can ignore the prob- The second is proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. identify themselves as Catholics or, if they do call lems that continue to surface in the lives of our Catholics: The General Secretary states, “Christians are called to es- themselves “Catholic,” with Catholic positions or be- ignorance of the faith, falling away from religious practice, tablish a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, in the liefs). From your perspective, where do you see loss breakup of the family, numerous addictions, lack of spiritu- community of the faithful and in the Church. … The trans- of “Catholic identity” in your parish and in the Dio- ality, and growing secularization, to mention only a few of mission of the faith as an encounter with Jesus Christ is cese? brought about through Sacred Scripture and through the the most obvious. The results of the forthcoming Synod of living Tradition of the Church” (ibid V). The proclamation 10) At present a major discussion is developing nation- Bishops in 2012 will doubtless inform our efforts for the of the Good News of Jesus Christ always requires renewed wide regarding “religious freedom,” in short, as has New Evangelization in the future. effort and increased zeal. been stated, the Catholic Church has a right “to be Christ is the answer, and the Church has the message. The third category for consideration is initiation into church” in the public life of this country (cf. “But for Of this, as Catholic Christians, we are convinced. As our the Christian experience. Recently the concerns of cate- Catholics, the common good can never mean muting Holy Father has pointed out before, quoting the Second themselves in public debate on foundational issues of chetical leaders in the Diocese were brought to my atten- Letter of St. Peter, “Always be ready to give an explanation tion in regards to Confirmation. Such a concern falls under human dignity. Christian faith is always personal but to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (II Pe- this general category but should not be restricted to discus- never private” Archbishop Charles Chaput, Render sion of Confirmation. All the sacraments of Christian initia- unto Caesar). Related to this issue are questions of ter 3:15). This is the call to the New Evangelization. tion - Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist - require what makes a Catholic institution “Catholic” and Committing this initiative to the prayers of Mary, Mother our attention to focus on how they are communicated and where is there possible infringement upon religious of the Church, and to St. Peter Claver, our diocesan patron celebrated. By extension, as well, we should not ignore how liberty? Fundamentally, where is “religious free- who was so zealous in evangelization, I am confident that we sustain the Christian life through the other sacraments - dom” an issue in parish life? our efforts will yield rich fruit. Matrimony, Priesthood, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick. If I were to summarize my concerns expressed in these Devotedly yours in our Lord, As Blessed Pope John Paul II wrote in Novo Millennio questions, I would say that they include four: diminishing Ineunte (n.