Catholic Evangelizer

The media is abuzz with what Pope Francis will say when he visits the United States? Will it be affirming or challenging, or both? Will his address to Congress be truly historic in its content and delivery? Will he speak like a father, a dignitary, or a prophet?

We think the more important question is, “WHAT WILL YOU SAY when he is here?” How will you speak about his visit with friends, co-workers and family? After all, we too are called to share the Good News, not only about the pope, but about Jesus in our midst.

And especially, you who have been baptized, were baptized into Trinitarian love—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… as a fledgling apprentice in the art of receiving and reflecting God’s love. And even now, the waters of God’s life continuously wash over you, strengthening you and giving you all you need to be a caring disciple of Jesus… And even though you may have made mistakes, the Holy Spirit is willing to help you start the Christian life all over again, every day or every hour if necessary. God’s grace is there for you as you face the challenges of being your brother’s keeper or your sister’s friend in the Lord… (Mending Broken Relationships…)

So now you have an opportunity to grow in your Baptism by sharing what faith you have, as well as, by testing the waters of new faith in others around you. So share how God touches you through the Pope, by saying, “I like …..” And ask what strikes those around you about his words and his presence. Ask this often. And when you get a reply, go a step further. Ask, “And what does this mean for you?”Ask, “How might what he is saying make a difference in your life, if you took these words to heart?”

MORE SUGGESTIONS

‪ links to one of the sites that will live steam the Holy Father’s events:

Current events, like Pope Francis’ visit to the United States, give us an opportunity to reach out to people who aren’t regular church-goers. We recommend that parishes and religious groups invite people to view one of the major liturgies or addresses together in an informal setting. Here  are two suggested activities for part of the session. This handout can also be downloaded with a grid as Pope Francis is Here PDF

Celebrating Pope Francis’ USA Visit – September 2015

1. Invite people to view one of the papal events together. B. Use one of these two exercises to help people share after the viewing.

EXERCISE ONE

Ask people to introduce themselves to one another and collect the initials of someone who can say ‘yes’ to each item below. Then after ten minutes, invite people to share one thing they like about Pope Francis with the last person they found.

Debrief

In the large group ask people to raise their hands for the categories. How many have…?

 Ask people to share what they like about Pope Francis. Ask them to share, with one other person, how they may have come closer to God or to the Church through this pope. Then conclude the sharing with a hymn and refreshments.

OPTIONAL: Give prizes for different responses and for people with the most initials, with the least.

EXERCISE TWO

 Use one of the following links as a handout (or another collection from google) to help people choose a favorite Pope Francis’ quote. Invite people to share what they like about the quote and about the Pope in small groups. Conclude the sharing time with a hymn and refreshments.

https://www.catholicvote.org/top-10-rio-quotes-what-francis-said-and-why/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/7034628.Pope_Francis