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New Evangelization Summit 2019: Together in Mission

I was happy to be able to attend the New Evangelization Summit (NES) this year along with a number of fellow parishioners from my home church. The presenters inspired us both spiritually and practically.

The theme throughout was to first look to an intimate relationship with Jesus then expect the Holy Spirit to guide and give us courage. Then there were many practical examples given for creating encounters with others to share the Gospel message of hope and there was advice for parish renewal to make the “Great Commission” our primary focus.
I was encouraged by the words of Cardinal Lacroix and Michael Dopp when they referred to the devastation of the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Lacroix stated that we cannot turn a blind eye to evil and challenged us to bear the pain of our fallen. But he counseled us not to remain down hearted but to do the best we can to focus on Jesus to take on our pain. He called us to unite, that we are in mission together with our Christian brothers and sisters to witness to the world the Gospel. Michael Dopp added that we need to judge the church by the saints not by those who have sinned. Michael gave a sense of urgency by stating that because of the scandal we are needed right now more than ever to be missionaries.
Fr. James Mallon shared his expertise in parish renewal based on his first-hand experiences that produced fruit. Fr. Jon Bielawski & Michele Thompson outlined their personal successes with evangelization “encounters”. And Michele Moran inspired us with the “new Pentecost” and expectation of the fire of the Holy Spirit.
The Ottawa home site hosted approximately 700 attendees. Together with 56 host sites around North America, the UK and in Guatemala that simulcast the event a total of close to 4000 Catholics took part in the Summit.
The NES 2020 is scheduled to be held on April 25, 2020.

You can view all my notes on the specific speakers here.

By Trudy Connelly
Church Relations

Resources:
Uevangelize.org

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