Saint Augustine, who studied the relationship between Christianity and secular society, said “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” His wisdom has been repeated for 17 centuries, but in America and across Europe, secularism once again is a growing force.

The New Evangelization, which took root in the second Vatican Council and was cultivated by Pope John Paul II who explained the need for a new “ardor, methods and expression,” is essential to The Church Alive! in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, according to Bishop David Zubik.

“The word ‘evangelization’ means sharing the good news of our faith, the good news of being loved by God,” Bishop Zubik said.

“I don’t think there is a family in our church that wouldn’t be able to tell a story of somebody in their family who’s left the church, for one reason or another,” he noted. “It’s important for us to find out why they left and to welcome them back. We also need to invite other people who’ve never been a part of the church to come and take a good look at us.”

Our Campaign for The Church Alive! represents and supports the New Evangelization in two important ways. First, diocesan and parish evangelization efforts will be renewed and revitalized through $1.5 million in funding. Resources will assist priests and parishes in helping all Catholics to know and live the faith so we can reach out to those who have left the Church and to those who have not yet encountered Jesus.

The Campaign also provides a significant opportunity to evangelize, as priests and parishioners invite others to join them in building the Church.

“We’re all called to share our faith, in word and deed,” said Helene Paharik, associate general secretary for the diocese. “Evangelization means being a friend. We want our parishes to be welcoming, loving communities that invite people into a deeper relationship with Christ and help heal broken relationships.

“They won’t be drawn to us if we’re not beautiful,” Paharik continued. “People will be attracted by the love and the hope they see in us, the pouring out of ourselves in loving service.”

The New Evangelization calls each of us to deepen our faith, believe in the Gospel message and go forth and proclaim it in three ways:

• Ongoing pastoral care of those whose faith is alive. It will be aroused again and again as we mature as disciples.
• Welcoming home Catholics who have fallen away from the faith.
• Missionary outreach ad gentes (to all peoples), proclaiming the Gospel to all who have never heard it.

The fruits of evangelization are changed lives and a changed world, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; holiness and justice, spirituality and peace.

“It’s an inward renewal and an outward sharing of the Gospel, as natural as breathing in and out,” said Deacon Alex Wroblicky, director for the diocesan Office for the New Evangelization. “Especially in this Year of Faith, it’s a renewal within us to encounter the Risen Lord Jesus Christ and to make a personal, intentional and serious decision to follow him as an active disciple.”

“The New Evangelization is not a program, but sharing anew the timeless message of the Gospels,” Paharik said. “It shapes and gives life to all the elements of the Church Alive—the Eucharist, Evangelization, Catechesis, Formation, and Stewardship. Each one in their own way is how we witness and proclaim our faith as Catholics.

“Our Campaign for The Church Alive! invites everyone to pray and become engaged in the mission of the Church, inspiring others to give,” Paharik said. “That’s evangelization.”