Evangelization
Since the publication of the 2010 pastoral letter “Disciples of the Lord: Sharing the Vision,” the entire work of the Archdiocese of Washington has been viewed through the lens of the New Evangelization. This has resulted in new programs, resources, goals and structures – all of which are bearing fruit in and through our parishes and schools.
The faith is being taught to young people using a new standards-based curriculum, programs such as The Light is On For You and Find the Perfect Gift engage thousands, a new seminary has been opened, and the archdiocese regularly evangelizes and catechizes through YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, columns and other media.
In addition, excellent catechetical resources have been created and are in use. Join with us as we spread the good news of Jesus Christ together in response to the call of the New Evangelization.
Find the Perfect Gift
Advent is defined as the arrival of a notable person. In the Catholic Church, Advent is the period of preparation before Christmas, the birth day of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In conjunction with the beginning of Advent, the Archdiocese of Washington begins the “Find the Perfect Gift” initiative, which is an invitation to get to know more about Christ during this special season.
At the websites for “Find the Perfect Gift,” users can learn about the Advent and Christmas traditions, explore a daily Advent calendar, and find opportunities to celebrate this season of joy and peace. Additionally, there are links to Catholic parishes and their respective Christmas Mass times.
The Light is On
“The Light Is On” campaign, which began in the Archdiocese of Washington in 2007, is an opportunity for the faithful to deepen their relationship with Christ by uniting themselves to God’s merciful love, which absolves Catholics from their faults. Lent, the 40-day penitential period before Easter and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, was chosen as the time period for the initiative, because it is a season when Catholics place an extra focus on God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Light the City
Join us during the Lenten season at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle for an evening of prayer and street evangelization.
Following a prayer service, teams of volunteers will head out on the streets and invite passers-by to come into the church to light a candle, pause peacefully in prayer with the Blessed Sacrament, and talk with a priest.
Volunteer in one of these ways:
- Be a street evangelizer – encounter and invite others.
- Be a prayer warrior – spend time in the church praying throughout the evening.
- If you are a priest, join us to hear Confessions throughout the evening.
Contact the Office of Evangelization for more information.