Do you have questions about evangelization and sacramental prep? Dave and Mike answer questions on evangelizing to atheists and what sort of parameters exist for requirements in sacramental prep.
Snippet from the Show
We need to constantly interject the Kerygma into all of our evangelization.
Shownotes
Have questions for Mike and Dave? Email them at eksb@ascensionpress.com.
Listener Question 1 (7:00)
Dave the Diamond Forger VanVickle and Gomer,
[In regards to agnostics/atheists/fallen away Christians] Assuming they reach a point where they start to feel that yearning for that love for God and a belief settles in, what advice do you have for planting seeds for Christianity especially helping them to go towards Catholicism rather than a non-denominational path? I have one friend in particular who I helped to become Christian after previously being Agnostic, but when he asked about Catholicism, he was hung up on rules or doctrine he disagreed with, and my answers probably fell short on why we believe what we do, where now he is a non-denominational Christian. I’d still call that a huge win, but looking for advice on how I might do a better job in those earlier conversations to plant seeds for Catholicism for when they start to explore Christianity. Any thoughts, ideas, or traps to avoid in general for talking to the millennial and gen-x fallen away christian/agnostic demographics are welcome.
Listener Question 2 (19:28)
Hello Gentlemen, big fan of the show and I hope this email finds you well. I’m looking for some assistance or thoughts on something that our pastoral council is considering as a result of Divine Renovation – that being, requiring the completion of Alpha for parents of sacramental year children, in order for them to receive their sacraments. We offer traditional CCD, homeschool, and have a Catholic school as part of our parish. We also have Alpha on a pretty regular rotation throughout the year, so it would not be difficult per se. What I’m wondering is if you are aware of many United States parishes who have successfully implemented this as a requirement (bonus points for Dave, if any are from the Pittsburgh Diocese)? Do you have any recommendations for moving this forward? Are there any canonical implications? I believe Diocesan approval would be necessary, for sure. Anyway, thank you for any guidance or thoughts on this. I truly enjoy your show! Keep up this great work of ministry.
Book Recommendations
The Handbook of Christian Apologetics by Dr. Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli
The Handbook of Catholic Apologetics by Dr. Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli
Resources
- Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com
- Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and be added to the Every Knee Shall Bow email list.
- Visit Dave’s website www.thecatholictruthaboutangelsanddemons.com and www.artofevangelization.com
- Visit Mike’s website at www.layevangelist.com
Meet Your Hosts
Michael “Gomer” Gormley
Michael has been leading evangelization and ministry efforts for the past ten years, both as a full-time parish staff member and as a speaker and consultant for parishes, dioceses, and Catholic campus ministries.
Mike is also the founder and creative director of LayEvangelist.com, and the producer and cohost of a Catholic young adult podcast Catching Foxes, which discusses the collision of Faith and Culture.
He is married to his college sweetheart, Shannon, and they have about 1,000 children and get about 3 hours of sleep a night, which is alright by him.
Dave VanVickle
Dave VanVickle fell in love with the Lord at the age of fourteen and has since dedicated his life to bringing others into a radical relationship with Christ.
He is a speaker and retreat leader who focuses on proclaiming the universal call to holiness, authentic Catholic spirituality, spiritual warfare and deliverance. Additionally, Dave has over ten years of experience assisting Priests with their ministries of exorcism and deliverance.
Dave resides in Pittsburgh with his wife Amber and their five children: Sam, Max, Judah, Josie and Louisa.
