The Vine. E-Newsletter of the Office for Evangelization. Happy Anniversary OFE. An important event occurred in 2005.

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1 Volume 3 Issue 1 I A M T H E V I N E. Y O U A R E T H E B R A N C H E S. J O H N 1 5 : 5 January/February 2012 The Vine E-Newsletter of the Office for Evangelization Inside This Issue: Bishop s Corner 2 Letters from Archbishop Myers & the USCCB Documentary: Catholicism A Welcoming Parish 8 Appreciation Gathering Our Catholic Identity 9 10 Happy Anniversary OFE An important event occurred in Yes, it was the year that our beloved John Paul II went to his Father s house and Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was elected Pope. It was also the year that Federal Judge Samuel Alito was appointed to the Supreme Court, and the nation mourned the Hurricane Katrina disaster. What I refer to was much closer to home. In response to Blessed John Paul II s emphasis on evangelization in the new millennium, Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Regional Bishop for Essex County, was appointed Vicar for Evangelization by Archbishop John J. Myers. Shortly after, Liliana Soto-Cabrera was hired as the new Coordinator of the Office for Evangelization (OFE). An Evangelization Commission was also formed to oversee the activities of the OFE. In 2009, Maureen Srinivasa was hired as Ministry Assistant. Shortly after the inception of the Office, on March 10, 2005, Archbishop John J. Myers issued a Pastoral Letter entitled, The Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Office for Evangelization serves as a resource for programs, courses, workshops and consultations intended to complement and enhance the evangelizing efforts in the Archdiocese of Newark. Newsletter Editor - Liliana Soto-Cabrera Layout Design - Marissa Acosta Spanish Newsletter Translation - Cristina Pardo Reflecting on the seven years of service of the Office for Evangelization, one notices a change in the wind in the sense of a greater realization of the importance of the infusion of an evangelizing, missionary spirit in all pastoral activities. Vatican II and Pope Paul VI and his successors have told us that evangelization is the essential mission of the church, challenging all baptized Christians to a conversion to Christ, living their faith fully, inviting others to faith, and living these gospel values in the world. From Maintenance to Mission, Robert S. Rivers, CSP, Paulist Press, Continued on Page 11

2 The Vine Page 2 Bishop s Corner - THE YEAR OF FAITH Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Last October 11 th Pope Benedict XVI issued the Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei, announcing the Year of Faith for the Universal Church, from the 11 th of October 2012, to 24 November The opening of the Year of Faith coincides with the 50 th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and also marks the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism was promulgated by Blessed John Paul II, with a view to illustrating for all the faithful the power and beauty of the faith. The celebration of the Year of Faith follows the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that the Holy Father called for October 2012, with the theme, The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith. This will be a good opportunity to usher the whole Church into a time of particular reflection and rediscovery of the faith. (Porta Fidei) The Holy Father also instructed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to provide guidelines and suggest activities for the celebration of the Year of Faith. On January 6, 2012, The Congregation issued the Pastoral Recommendations for the Year of Faith, under the signature of its prefect, Cardinal William Laveda. The Congregation made recommendations for pastoral activities to take place during the Year of Faith on the level of the Universal Church, on the level of Episcopal Conferences, on the Diocesan level and at the level of Parish/Community/Association/Movement. Two main events celebrating the Year of Faith at the Universal level will be the General Synod of Bishops, in October of this year in Rome, and the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in July On the level of the Episcopal conference the document suggests that in light of the specific mission of the bishops as teachers and heralds of faith they can dedicate a day of study to the topic of faith, its personal witness and its transmission to the new generation. At the Diocesan level, the document says that it is hoped that each particular church would have a celebration of the opening of the Year of Faith and a solemn conclusion to it in which to profess our faith in the Risen Lord. At the level of Parish/Community/Association/Movement, the document invites all the faithful to read closely and meditate upon Pope Benedict XVI s apostolic Letter Porta Fidei. It says further that all the faithful, called to renew the gift of faith, should try to communicate their own experience of faith and charity to their brothers and sisters of other religions, with those who do not believe and with those who are indifferent.

3 Volume 3 Issue 1 Page 3 Archbishop Myers Letter to the Faithful

4 The Vine Page 4 USCCB Bulletin Alert regarding Health Care Debate

5 Volume 3 Issue 1 Page 5 Archbishop Myers Letter to the Faithful

6 The Vine Page 6 USCCB Bulletin Alert regarding Health Care Debate

7 Volume 3 Issue 1 Page 7 On The Documentary Entitled Catholicism by Juan Cabrera Stroll through the aisles of any modern-day bookstore and you will inevitably encounter a self-help section, often stocked with material on how one can learn about virtually any topic that spans the whole of human ingenuity and endeavor: computers, government, medicine, weaponry, exercise, to name a few. But the list is endless. Glance through the shelves of a bookstore s section on religion and it is possible you will find this or that treatment on the myths of a given faith. We live in an age where it is common for the pundit to put a spin on things and, thereby, prompt someone else to try and debunk said spin. This contributor does not, however, know if there has ever been an explanation as comprehensive as the one written and filmed with Father Robert F. Barron on the subject of our Catholic faith. The title he chose for his work is simply Catholicism. The questions set forth and addressed by Father Barron are some of the ones that have been asked of scholars and, one would imagine, many a spiritual director. For example, what does it mean to turn the other cheek? What or, better yet, who are we speaking of when we refer to God the Father and Jesus? And incidentally, what exactly was it about Jesus that still sets him apart from all of history s main religious figures? I have no qualms in admitting that my understanding of turning the other cheek has been, for a lifetime, a very literal interpretation of allowing oneself to be struck when faced with adversity, for the sake of living a non-violent ethic. But this understanding was itself slightly haunted by the possibility that there was something more to the intended meaning. For anyone who is interested they should consider themselves referred to this documentary. There is one more way to describe this opus, if you will. In Catholicism there is something for everyone. Father Barron incorporates all of the Church s beauty and majesty as background for his narration. I am referring to cathedrals throughout the world and their respective architectural styles, paintings from the Renaissance, and, of course, what cannot be provided in a literary work (except for those trained in the discipline)...music. This is a journey through our faith, with many questions answered along the way. It is a marvelously engaging, compelling and didactic walk through the last two millennia of Catholicism and the world to come through what is seen and unseen. Consider yourself invited. For more information on Catholicism series, go to:

8 The Vine Page 8 E-Share - A Welcoming Parish But now thus says the Lord, Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 Are you noticed when you enter your Church on Sunday morning? Or do you quietly slip into your pew each week unobserved by all but the usher who carries the basket and later guides you to receive Holy Communion? the Church is the great sacrament of divine communion which gathers God s scattered children together. CCC1108 Well, if you have ever attended Our Lady of Grace Parish in Hoboken, NJ you would be able to answer affirmatively and with confidence that you were wholeheartedly and warmly welcomed to Church. Fr. Alex Santora, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, has created an inviting and welcoming parish environment. He actually remembers your name from one week to the next! Before each Mass begins, and before Fr. Alex has vested, he informally welcomes whoever has arrived early for Mass. While waiting for the Entrance Procession to begin, he greets those entering, and after Mass, makes a point of greeting and exchanging quick notes with all who have attended. During this past Advent season, Fr. Alex invited expectant mothers and their families to come forward for a special blessing. This is just one example of how he makes each individual family feel important and welcomed. Besides personally welcoming parishioners, there are greeters at the entrance of the Church who, with a warm smile, hand you a hymnal as you enter and smilingly offer you a bulletin as you leave the Church. One of the positive effects of this welcoming atmosphere is that as Father Alex becomes familiar with his flock, he is able to uncover their special gifts and call them forth for service to the whole community. His open and hospitable nature brings parishioners to a deeper reality that St. Paul shared with his beloved community at Ephesus - So then, you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God Eph. 2:19

9 Volume 3 Issue 1 Page 9 Do You Feel Appreciated? Office for Evangelization hosts Appreciation Gathering On Thursday, February 16, 2012, the Office for Evangelization in celebration of its 7th anniversary hosted an Appreciation Gathering at the Archdiocesan Center. Bishop da Cunha, joined by the Evangelization Commission Members as well as the staff of the Office hosted this celebration. Invited to this event were the numerous evangelization collaborators who have so generously given their time and talent to the work of evangelization in the Archdiocese of Newark over the past seven years, since the inception of the Office for Evangelization. Over 100 priests, deacons, sisters and lay leaders enjoyed an evening of nourishment for the body, soul and spirit. Bishop da Cunha opened the evening with prayer and inspired all with his thoughts on Evangelization. Fr. Tom Dente and Sr. Marilyn Minter offered dynamic presentations on different aspects of evangelization. In order to get to know each other better, there was a short faith sharing segment, followed by a Question and Answer period. "We cannot keep to ourselves the words of eternal life given to us in our encounter with Jesus Christ: they are meant for everyone, for every man and woman. It is our responsibility to pass on what, by God's grace, we ourselves have received." - Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini, 2010 The programs and offerings of the Office for Evangelization were displayed prominently in the library/conference room near the Main Auditorium. It was a wonderful time to make new friends, renew acquaintances and be enriched with fresh insights. Do you feel appreciated? was the question stressed by the Coordinator, Liliana Soto-Cabrera. She repeated this question several times, so great was her desire that these local missionaries would experience the love, appreciation and respect that they were owed for their willingness to pour out their lives, reaching their world with the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ.

10 The Vine Page 10 Our Catholic Identity Excerpt from APOSTOLIC LETTER MOTU PROPRIO DATA PORTA FIDEI OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF BENEDICT XVI FOR THE INDICTION OF THE YEAR OF FAITH Our Catholic Identity Ever since the start of my ministry as Successor of Peter, I have spoken of the need to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ. During the homily at the Mass marking the inauguration of my pontificate I said: The Church as a whole and all her Pastors, like Christ, must set out to lead people out of the desert, towards the place of life, towards friendship with the Son of God, towards the One who gives us life, and life in abundance. [1] It often happens that Christians are more concerned for the social, cultural and political consequences of their commitment, continuing to think of the faith as a self-evident presupposition for life in society. In reality, not only can this presupposition no longer be taken for granted, but it is often openly denied.[2] Whereas in the past it was possible to recognize a unitary cultural matrix, broadly accepted in its appeal to the content of the faith and the values inspired by it, today this no longer seems to be the case in large swathes of society, because of a profound crisis of faith that has affected many people. 3. We cannot accept that salt should become tasteless or the light be kept hidden (cf. Mt 5:13-16). The people of today can still experience the need to go to the well, like the Samaritan woman, in order to hear Jesus, who invites us to believe in him and to draw upon the source of living water welling up within him (cf. Jn 4:14). We must rediscover a taste for feeding ourselves on the word of God, faithfully handed down by the Church, and on the bread of life, offered as sustenance for his disciples (cf. Jn 6:51). Indeed, the teaching of Jesus still resounds in our day with the same power: Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life (Jn 6:27). The question posed by his listeners is the same that we ask today: What must we do, to be doing the works of God? (Jn 6:28). We know Jesus reply: This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent (Jn 6:29). Belief in Jesus Christ, then, is the way to arrive definitively at salvation. For full text:

11 Volume 3 Issue 1 Page 11 Continued from Front Page How has the OFE gone about this task? Operating under the guidance of the Evangelization Commission, several working committees were formed and make up the structure of the office. The working Committees are: Bible Studies Committee Communications Outreach Committee Faith Sharing Groups Committee Family Outreach Committee Ecclesial Movements Partnership Committee Parish Partnership Committee School of Evangelization Outreach to Inactive Catholics: ChristLife Evangelization Process New Evangelization Missionary Project (NEMP) Parish Evangelizing Cells Project (PEC) Soles for Faith Catholic Running Team (SFF) Youth New Evangelization Partnership (YNEP) - New for 2012 Hispanic Evangelization Outreach Committee - New for 2012 Highlights of the OFE activities include: Festival of Faith Kickoff Event which gathered over 800 Catholics from around the Archdiocese for a day of worship, inspirational talks, music and fellowship. Spearheading and running four year programs of Why Catholic? and three year Disciples in Mission in 50 parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark. Collaborating with parishes to offer The Quick Journey Through the Bible study program to over 500 Catholics in the Archdiocese. Gathering the numerous Ecclesial movements of the Archdiocese together to celebrate a Pentecost liturgy joining together with various ethnic groups in the Archdiocese. Coordination for the creation of a comprehensive pastoral parish profile data base to better enable Archdiocesan ministries in their service to parishes. Helping Catholics gain the skills and confidence to evangelize in their sphere of influence through the School of Evangelization offerings and New Evangelization Missionary Project (NEMP) workshops. Sponsoring a 5K Run/Walk and continuing a presence at area races and helping to build as oasis of faith in the running community by building a large Catholic running team (Soles for Faith Catholic Running Team). In 2012, we look forward to continuing collaboration with parishes now offering and planning to offer the Great Adventure Bible Timeline series. In addition, Evangelization at Work on Saturday, April 21, 2012, promises to be an exciting morning of reflection with Dr. Julie V. Burkey at St. Elizabeth Parish in Wyckoff. The Discovering Christ Training Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 24 and 25, 2012 will help parishes lay the groundwork for the Year of Faith which begins on October 11, 2012 and culminates on November 24, 2013.

12 Archdiocese of Newark Office For Evangelization 171 Clifton Avenue PO Box 9500 Newark, NJ Phone: Fax: Website: Most Reverend Edgar da Cunha Vicar for Evangelization Liliana Soto-Cabrera Coordinator for Evangelization Maureen Srinivasa Ministry Assistant MISSION STATEMENT The Office for Evangelization serves as a resource for programs, courses, workshops, and consultations intended to complement and enhance the evangelizing efforts in the Archdiocese of Newark.