Parish-Based Evangelization Programs

Discipleship and evangelization are inseparable dimensions of the Church’s mission. Discipleship is the lifelong response to Jesus Christ. Rooted in baptism and the sacraments, we learn to live according to the Gospel through ongoing conversion, prayer, and charity. Evangelization flows from this life of discipleship. As Catholics, we bear witness to Christ through word and action, proclaiming the Good News so that others may encounter Him, come to the faith, and be drawn into the life and communion of the Church.

The Secretariat for Catholic Life & Evangelization exists to help every member of the Diocese of Harrisburg grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ and to share the joy of the Gospel with others. Through formation, resources, and pastoral support, we assist parishes, schools, and individuals respond to the Lord’s call to conversion, active faith, and missionary witness, so that the saving message of Jesus Christ may be proclaimed clearly and lived faithfully in our homes, parishes, and communities.

The following is a list of discipleship and evangelization resources for parishes and individuals. Please contact us if you would like support either in making or growing disciples in your parish or ministry.

Alpha (Catholic) – Alpha is a series of sessions that explore the foundations of the Christian faith in an honest and non-judgmental environment. Sessions typically begin with food and connection, followed by a talk and open discussion. Best of all, we provide Alpha at no cost.

ChristLife– ChristLife is a three-step process to make missionary disciples in your parish: Discovering Christ, Following Christ, and Sharing Christ. Guests meet over a meal, pray, watch our inspiring videos, and share thoughts in small groups. As the weeks advance, you’ll see the Lord changing lives!

Divine Renovation – Coaching and tools to move parishes from maintenance to mission.

Global2033 – Worldwide Catholic initiative to mobilize missionary disciples for the 2033 Jubilee.

Light of the World Evangelization Ministries – Retreat-based parish transformation.

Rebuilt Parish – A parish renewal movement that is boldly impacting parish leaders, providing them the process and tools they need to refocus on reaching the un-churched, creating a clear discipleship path to grow their church, and revitalizing their parish culture. We have developed a model to establish an engaged and growing local Catholic community. This growth continues in real-time as we develop new resources and tools to fulfill the mission God gave us: Go make disciples.

RENEW International – Works with dioceses and parishes to train leaders and accompany them as they attract parishioners to share their faith in small groups and grow their parish into a community of communities. We provide the groups with faith-sharing resources that include scripture, personal reflection, and prayer. RENEW encourages participants to experience church as a gathering of disciples of Jesus Christ rather than a solitary experience and to put faith into action by making the parish itself an engine of generosity, compassion, and justice.

Revive Parishes – Revive Parishes was founded to transform parish leaders so that they can revive their parishes. With God’s help, your hard work and perseverance, and a little help and coaching from those who have gone before you anything is possible. Each course on Revive was created with you in mind: to give you practical tips, suggestions, inspiration, and coaching on the most important issues facing Catholic parishes today. Each presenter was asked to create a course out of their lived wisdom working in and with parishes. The result? Over 50 hours of amazing content at your fingertips—free of charge.

St. Paul Street Evangelization – St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) is a grassroots, non-profit organization, dedicated to responding to the mandate of Jesus to preach the Gospel to all nations by taking the Catholic Faith to the streets. SPSE provides the tools and resources for Catholics to engage the culture in a simple, non-confrontational method of evangelization which involves making themselves available to the public to answer questions about the Faith and to pray with those who request it.

The 99 – A new system of evangelization from Ascension Press. The 99 Experience is a three-session parish mission that shares the Gospel in a fresh new way, featuring nine of the most talented Catholic speakers in the country. Includes in-depth leader training to form your leadership team as disciples and prepare them to host the parish mission and a handbook for deeper exploration to capture the momentum of the parish mission and keep it going by offering a seamless follow up.

The Rescue Project – The Rescue Project is an experience of the gospel surrounded by food, conversation and prayer that seeks to proclaim the gospel in a compelling and attractive way over eight weeks in a small group format. This experience is imbued with beauty, authentic humanity, and accompaniment.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Augustine Institute – The Augustine Institute serves the formation of Catholics for the New Evangelization. Through our academic and parish programs (Formed and Sent), we equip Catholics intellectually, spiritually, and pastorally to renew the Church and transform the world for Christ.

Formed – An online media platform of the Augustine Institute that guides Catholics and those they evangelize to a fully Catholic life through faith-informed content. As a faithful authority and helpful guide, which draws people closer to Christ, the platform provides a captivating, comprehensive, customizable experience that educates, empowers, and moves with you wherever you are in your faith journey.

Sent Evangelization – A ministry of Augustine Institute, Sent provides Catholic pastors with the method and tools to reach all the souls living within their parish boundaries, and does so by equipping parishioners with a neighborhood evangelization method, based on baptismal identity and focused on charity.

Renewal Ministries – Offers parishes comprehensive resources for spiritual renewal, including engaging evangelization materials, catechetical programs, and effective training for parish leaders. Through missions, retreats, and events, they provide opportunities for community building, education, and spiritual growth, helping parishioners deepen their faith and strengthen their commitment to the Church. Their focus on fostering vibrant communities encourages active participation in the life of the parish.

Word on Fire – Provides parishes with dynamic media resources aimed at evangelization and catechesis, including films, books, and digital content. Their programs help deepen the understanding of the Catholic faith and engage people of all persuasions through contemporary and accessible teachings. By fostering a love for Scripture and a vibrant encounter with Christ, they support parishes in building vibrant communities of faith.

Books

Parish Renewal & Leadership
  • Sherry Weddell (Our Sunday Visitor)
    • Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus
    • Becoming a Parish of Intentional Disciples
  • Susan Windley-Daoust
    • The Four Ways Forward: Becoming and Apostolic Parish in a Post-Christian World
  • Fr. James Mallon
    • Divine Renovation: Bring Your Parish from Maintenance to Mission
  • Michael J. Sanem
    • Becoming the Good News: A New Approach to Parish Evangelization –– Pastoral strategies for today’s parishes.
Evangelization & Mission
  • Evangelii Nuntiandi – Pope St. Paul VI
  • Scott Hahn
    • Evangelizing Catholics: A Mission Manual for the New Evangelization
  • University of Mary
    • From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age
    • The Religion of the Day (sequel)
  • Andre Regnier
    • Clear & Simple: How to Have Conversations That Lead to Conversion