Commission on Evangelization

Lay Ministers, Lay Disciples, Evangelizing Power in the Parish, by Susan Blum Gerding and Frank DeSiano, CSP. New York: Paulist Press, 1999.

The word evangelization is not as foreign to some Catholics as it was a decade ago. Yet many lay leaders have difficulty seeing how their parish ministries are opportunities for evangelization. This book explores how nurturing Catholics to be evangelizers can be accomplished in the present structure of parish life.

The authors combine basic theory and theology of evangelization with the reality of various parish ministries. It is this group of peopleÄwhether catechists, members of parish councils or finance committees, Eucharistic ministers, lectors or musicians who may be the most receptive.

Six characteristics of evangelizing ministers are highlighted: discipleship; true interest in others' welfare and concern; witness; proclamation of their faith in Jesus; inviting others to grow in experiencing God in their lives; assisting others to be integrated into the community of faith. Each chapter is devoted to a specific ministry with examples of how the above characteristics can be lived more intentionally. Questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to look again at ministry and its evangelizing opportunities.

If you are looking for help in linking what parishioners are already doing with evangelization, this is the book to get!

Reviewed by Lorraine Vancamp, Glenmary's evangelization consultant.

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