Together, Let Us Partner As Evangelizers

Dear friends and Partners in Mission,

I had the opportunity to participate in the 2011 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California March 17-20. Wish you could have been there with me! It was a graced time because of a unique collaboration with the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  In attendance were Mr. Andy Shaw, Director of the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization, Father John Harfmann, S.S.J  a member of the Josephite Community and over 30,000 participants.

Publish Post

 I had several delightful visits with members of the Kateri Circle of the City of the Angeles at their ministry table. I was pleased and proud to see the Native American Community as they invited curious individuals to learn about Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, known as the ‘Lily of the Mohawks”  and to share materials of invitation and promotion of Native American Ministry.

During these days, with the assistance of Sister Judy Gomila, M.S.C., we evangelized and promoted the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions and the Catholic Negro American Mission Board.  Lots of handshakes, smiles and engaging conversations enlightened many, many individuals about our venerable apostolate among American Indians and African Americans.  And I learned a thing or two . . . Some asked, “How can I learn more about ministry among Native Americans and African Americans” and some expressed with a sense of pride,  “ I am a Native American, or my friend is an Indian.” I also heard, “I do not know how to evangelize, in fact, I am not sure what the word really means, can you help me?”

My friends, our baptism in Jesus Christ calls each and every person to be a missionary, beginning with our family, community and in the market place.  All one needs to evangelize is a willing heart and a desire to share the Good News of Jesus in a loving and gentle way.  To evangelize is to share the story of Jesus and his teaching.   

Please take a moment or two to view the photos. Together, let us partner as evangelizers, yes, “you.”  I know you can do it! I am counting on you to continue to pray daily and to encourage others to pray.  Invite your family and friends to visit our website, www.blackandindianmission.org . 

Allow the grace of the Holy Spirit to guide your heart in all things. Kindly help me to raise consciousness about ministry in the Native American and African American Communities.  Looking forward to our next visit! 

Bless you!