OCIA Session 29: Evangelization & Community – Inviting Others, Sharing Faith

Welcome back, friends! We’re almost at the finish line of our OCIA journey. Last time, we talked about Ongoing Formation - how to keep learning, praying, and growing after Easter. Today, we focus on something that flows naturally from that growth: evangelization and community. Now, don’t panic at the word “evangelization.” Some people imagine street preachers with megaphones or awkward conversations with coworkers. But evangelization doesn’t mean you need to stand on a soapbox. It simply means sharing the good news of what God has done in your life. Evangelization is not optional. Jesus’ last words were: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Every Catholic is called to live and share the faith.

Why Evangelization Matters

Because faith is not meant to be hidden.
Because people around you are searching for meaning, hope, and truth.
Because the Church grows when ordinary Catholics share their joy.
Because sharing your faith strengthens your own.

Think of it this way: if you found a great restaurant or movie, you’d tell your friends, right? How much more important is it to share the source of eternal life?

Humor Break

Some Catholics think evangelization means: “Smile extra wide and hope someone asks why.” Not quite! While joy is important, evangelization also needs words and invitation.

How to Evangelize in Daily Life

By example - live with joy, kindness, integrity. Let your life be a witness.
By invitation - ask a friend to Mass, a parish event, or even OCIA.
By sharing - tell your story. People may debate theology, but they can’t deny your personal experience of God’s love.
By prayer - intercede for family, friends, neighbors, coworkers.

Evangelization isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about sharing love.

Community: The “Other Half”

Evangelization doesn’t stop at inviting people to church. They need a community to belong to. That’s where you - and your parish - come in.

Community means:

Building friendships at church.
Welcoming newcomers.
Supporting each other in struggles.
Celebrating together in joy.

A parish without community is just a building. A parish with community is a family.

Interactive Reflection

Take two minutes. Write down one person in your life who is far from faith or searching. Pray silently for them now. Ask God for the courage and opportunity to invite them closer to Him.

Parish Connection

Your parish likely has events perfect for inviting others: parish picnics, Christmas Mass, Easter services, small groups, service projects. Sometimes the best “first step” for someone is not a theology class but a chili supper.

As new Catholics, you bring fresh enthusiasm. Don’t keep it to yourself. Share it!

Humor Break #2

Remember: you don’t have to start every conversation with, “Have you accepted Jesus Christ into your heart?” Sometimes the best evangelization is, “Hey, want to come with me to church this Sunday? We’ve got coffee and donuts afterward.”

Overcoming Fear

Common fears about evangelization:

“I don’t know enough.” → You don’t need all the answers. Share your story.
“What if they reject me?” → They’re not rejecting you. They’re wrestling with God.
“I’m not holy enough.” → None of us are. Evangelization is about pointing to Christ, not ourselves.

Interactive Activity

Pair up or reflect quietly. Share one way you feel comfortable evangelizing - maybe inviting, serving, or praying. Then share one area you find scary. Encourage one another.

Action Step

This week:

Pray daily for one person in your life who is away from the Church.
Invite someone to join you for Mass or a parish event.
After Mass, greet someone you don’t know. Small gestures build community.

Closing

Evangelization and community are two sides of the same coin. You invite people in, and then you make sure they belong. You don’t need a theology degree. You just need love, courage, and a willingness to share what God has done in your life. Next time, we’ll wrap up with Celebration & Sending Forth - Discipleship beyond OCIA. It’s the final step of this journey, but really just the beginning of the rest of your Catholic life. Until then, remember: the Church didn’t bring you this far just for you. She brought you this far so that, through you, others might come home too.

Last class:
Session 30: Celebration & Sending Forth – Discipleship Beyond OCIA