Allan F. Wright recently offered an online workshop for the Diocese of Worcester and beyond entitled, “Help ‘Missing’ Catholics Come Home to Jesus & the Mass.” His spoke from his experiences as a father, as an Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall University (Orange, NJ) a Catholic academy principal, an author of 17 books, a TV commentator, and a radio host. Among his many works are: Jesus the Evangelist: A Gospel Guide to the New Evangelization, and The Bible’s Best Love Stories (Franciscan Media).
How did you become interested in Catholic evangelization?
When I first made a commitment to Christ during my senior year of high school, and quickly developed a hunger and thirst for scripture. Some years later, I was involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal which put even more flesh on the word “evangelization.” As an adult I also became involved in “Young Life,” an interdenominational youth outreach to the unchurched. That work was the best training for ministry that I’ve experience.
How do you evangelize in your day-to-day life?
I am a principal of a Catholic School where we pray the rosary as a school each Monday, and sing praise and worship songs on Tuesdays. Then there’s Witness Wednesday where people share their encounters with Christ. Also, Eucharistic Adoration on Thursday and Mass on Friday, are rooted in our Catholic Traditions. I see myself as a witness first and foremost and then as a catalyst for the Holy Spirit to operate within the students.
How have pandemic restrictions affected Catholic parishes and schools?
Anytime people are restricted from receiving the eucharist the faith will suffer. However, parishes have done remarkably well in my opinion, by switching to virtual masses and drive-through confessionals. But, even with these adjustments, some nominal Catholics have been further marginalized by lack of personal contact with other Catholics and the sacraments. So now we have an even greater opportunity to share the gospel in new and innovative ways.
What will bring Catholics back to parishes and Masses?
Short answer, prayer. Longer answer, prayer to notice opportunities to share faith in God. Prayer to become more available and to strength our capacity for personal invitations to come back. Think of the years that Jesus spent with his disciples. Being willing to accompany people on their journey is important. If people “blow off” our invitation we do not dismiss them but continue to love them and witness to them through our care.
What is your next book about daily missionary evangelizing?
I’m finishing up a Catholic Youth Bible. It’s a regular Bible but there are 25 or so inserts dealing with the basics of the faith and issues that teens face, such as dealing with anger, depression, family relationships, and sharing the faith. Insert have headings like, “What does the Scripture say? Why does it matter to me? How can I live this ‘theme’ and be a better disciple? How can I encounter God in the midst of these issues?” My hope is that this approach will answer questions young people have as they connect the faith with daily life. I also hope they see that the Church’s approach to real life issues is reasonable.
Who are the greatest influencers in your approach to evangelizing?
The Young Life leader who reached out to me 40 years ago. His kindness, patience and acceptance of me and his willingness to share, “not only the Gospel, but his very life as well,” continues to impact me. That verbal witness is needed today, in an age where we are told to witness without words. Yes. Service is important, but there comes a time when words are very necessary!
(Find out more about Allan F. Wright at http://www.allanwright.org.)