Evangelization for Your Parish
As disciples of Christ, we are called to continually grow in understanding, prayer and service.
The Office of Evangelization and Discipleship supports pastors and ministry leaders in the mission of evangelizing, catechizing, and pastorally accompanying the whole community. Special attention is given to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus and cultivating paths of discipleship for the renewal of parish and family life.
Evangelization is the cornerstone of all pastoral action. Every ministry in the Church focuses on the primacy of evangelization, with the goals to:
- Live our call to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Serve with the best leadership principles all grounded in the Eucharist.
- Create or strengthen existing structures to serve the missionary option.
Please consult our specialized pages on evangelization strategies to help the parish, the family and the individual become ever more evangelizing. This webpage offers a summary of various programs, resources and strategies for evangelization within parish communities.
Visit our evangelization webpage on the archdiocesan site for additional resources.
For questions regarding any of these programs, resources or strategies, please contact:
Table of Contents
The Evangelization Process
The Office of Evangelization and Discipleship has adopted an agricultural process to illustrate a possible path to become an evangelizing, mission-oriented parish that focuses on forming intentional disciples for today’s world.
This process is not a “one size fits all” approach. It is an understanding of a possible journey, with resources and strategies to guide the discipleship efforts of parishes within the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
An overview of the process is below.
Till the Soil
Prepare a “rich soil” that bears fruit is the first step for parishes starting an evangelization and discipleship process. Create and reinforce a resilient and balanced structure that will support your efforts based on your community.
Some areas to focus on include:
- Prayer
- Vision and organization
- Parish culture
- Hospitality
- Building bridges of trust
- The Sunday experience
Sow the Seed
This step focuses on how we can “sow” the good news of Jesus Christ in the hearts of those entrusted to our care. This step stresses the importance of:
- Creating an open and receptive atmosphere
- Sharing personal faith stories
- Accompanying people as they encounter Jesus
Germination
The germination step is a time of spiritual growth. During this time, a supportive faith community is essential. Areas of focus include:
- Praying as a community in Eucharistic Adoration, attending retreats and pilgrimages
- Small faith communities
- Providing healing programs and ministries (pastoral care ministry, addiction support groups, etc.)
Tend the Vine
During the Tend the Vine step, parishes are encouraged to strengthen the growing faith and ongoing formation of disciples through:
- Sacramental preparation
- Catechesis for adults
- Empowering parents to be the main teachers of faith for their family
- Providing opportunities for studying sacred Scripture and tradition
- Forming leaders within the parish to support other adults on their journey
Harvest the Fruit
In Catholicism, the “fruits of discipleship” are the visible signs of Christ working in a person’s life. This step focuses on:
- Our baptismal call to evangelization
- Being led by the Holy Spirit
- Stewardship and using God’s gifts for the Church
- Encouraging marriage and family ministries
Discipleship is a journey that is different for everyone. The goal of evangelization is for the faithful to remain open to God’s grace so they can help to form more disciples of Christ. This leads to a rich life, continuous conversion and an authentic witness of faith, hope and charity.
Certification Programs
More details coming soon.
Parish Resources
