Don't be surprised if you log on to the Internet one day and find a web site inviting inactive Catholics in the Albany Diocese to "Come Home."
Computers are but one of the tools Rev. Martin Fisher, pastor of St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls, hopes his parish-based Evangelization Committee will utilize in the future to reach those who have left the faith due to anger, fear, sadness, confusion or indifference.
"We are looking at a whole new world as we enter the next millennium," he told The Evangelist, "and I think we must be creative in putting together evangelization programs that will touch the imagination. There are so many people out there who use computers; you never know who might see your message. The internet would be a great way not only to reach inactive Catholics but also the unchurched in the community."
Innovative
Meanwhile, the priest is busy helping his parish's Evangelization Committee explore a host of other innovative ways of reaching the masses in the Adirondack Region.
From radio spots to colorful flyers and newspaper ads, the two-year-old committee is determined to help as many souls as possible experience the joy of spiritual renewal -- or, in some cases, discovering Christ for the first time.
"Reaching inactive Catholics is phase one of our evangelization mission," Father Fisher told The Evangelist. "We want them to come home -- and to feel at home -- in the Catholic Church. Later on, our outreach ministry will expand to include trying to reach the unchurched in the community."
Awakening giant
Quoting a 1978 Gallup study in which the Roman Catholic Church was dubbed "The Sleeping Giant of Evangelization," Father Fisher observed: "That giant is definitely awakening."
Specifically, the Gallup reference concluded that the Church possessed "the heritage, the structure and the people" needed to evangelize. "The only thing it lacks," wrote Gallup, "is the fire."
"Catholics were traditionally brought up to keep the faith," Father Fisher noted. "Now it is time for them to spread the faith."
Excitement
Lois Cayzer, a parish secretary at St. Mary's, said that "Father Fisher has really put a tiger in our tank. If he can't get you excited about evangelizing, nobody can. A year or two ago, I wouldn't have known what to say or do. Now I feel like beating a drum or waving a flag" about her faith.
Miss Cayzer said Father Fisher advised her to start each day with this prayer: "Lord, send me someone today to evangelize." It must be a powerful prayer, she added, because she has since taken advantage of a number of opportunities to share some aspect of her faith with others.
"I find I'm able to listen to people and respond to them in a way that I could not before Father Fisher opened my eyes to this whole evangelization thing," said Miss Cayzer.
Friend of Jesus
Another parish that serves as an outstanding model of evangelization is Our Lady of Grace Church in Ballston Lake, where Rev. Anthony Diacetis is pastor.
In 1996, the parish launched a three-year program based on the theme: "Be A Friend, Make A Friend, Bring A Friend To Jesus." The first year was spent evangelizing parish members. The second year, which began in January, seeks to reach inactive Catholics. The third phase will focus on the unchurched in the community.
To bring the message of evangelization to his own flock, Father Diacetis incorporated a related theme into the homily at Mass each week -- sometimes giving the congregation what he termed "homework," such as bringing a Gospel message to their workplaces.
Public faith
"Faith is not a private matter," emphasized Father Diacetis. "Each one of us needs to take advantage of every opportunity to speak about Christ and our faith in our homes, our neighborhoods and our workplaces."
Our Lady of Grace has also started publishing a newsletter called "Our Christian Walk," which is mailed to the household of every registered parish member. It includes excerpts from recent sermons as well as highlights of parish life and updates about lay outreach ministries.
He hopes the newsletter will create "a spark" that will renew interest in the faith for those alienated from the Church.