Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Wolf of Main Street” VanVickle and I wrap up our Advent series on repentance. We talk about interior repentance and how that shows up through things like fasting, keeping Fridays a day of penance, forgiving others, serving the poor, and constantly reorienting our lives towards Christ. We can’t buy heaven with these acts, (the cross of Christ is our salvation) but true repentance will always show up in our words and deeds. Snippet from the Show “Penance is not about paying for sin, it’s about being more free to surrender to what God is doing in your life.” Get the shownotes! Text ESKB to 33-777 to subscribe or email us at eksb@acensionpress.com Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

I, (Dave VanVickle), have no nickname today, because sadly Gomer isn’t here. (He’s OK, he’s just been sick.) So I’m continuing our conversation about repentance solo. I want to talk about what repentance looks like in Scripture, especially Zacchaeus’ repentence in Luke 19, and how we can incorporate continual repentance and conversion in our day-to-day lives. _Snippet from the Show “God is not just calling us away from sin, but also to accept this beautiful new life in the kingdom; to see the world, the poor, and our brothers and sisters through the eyes of Jesus Christ.” _ Get the shownotes! Text EKSB to 33-777 to subscribe! Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Giraffe” Van Vickle and I (Mike “Gomer” Gormley) start off nice and easy by talking about the darkness in the Church right now … and then we ease into our main topic for this Advent season—repentance. The repentance aspect of Advent is highly neglected but extremely important. Most people like to focus on the love of God made man (which is huge, don’t get me wrong) but what is the proper response to this great love? Repentance. So, how do we repent, why do we repent, why is Advent a season of repentance? Snippet from the Show Our entire Theology revolves around repentance because it’s not Jesus overlooking our sins, it’s him dying for us so that we may be transformed. Text ESKB to 33-777 to subscribe and get added to Gomer and Dave’s email list!Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

You’ve probably heard people say that evangelization is proclaiming the gospel and using words when necessary. Well, Dave “Roaring Lion” VanVickle and myself (Mike “Gomer” Gormley) have a problem with this phrase—it only covers one aspect of evangelization. There’s a whole other big part of evangelization where you use words. A big reason we reduce evangelization to the interior life is because there is fear involved with proclaiming the Gospel and talking about Jesus. We’re afraid of saying the wrong thing, of being rejected, so we just say, “well as long as you’re living like a disciple, you’re good.” But we’re not. Introducing people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ takes many, many different forms. You don’t have to do all of them all the time, but we’re pretty sure both words and actions will be involved. Snippet from the Show “There were all kinds of people who were not apostles who followed Jesus. We’re called to encounter Christ in others” SHOWNOTES Saint Francis of Assisi - “There’s no use walking somewhere to preach unless your walking is also your preaching.” Evangelii Gaudium, 165 - “We must not think that in catechesis the kerygma gives way to a supposedly more “solid” formation. Nothing is more solid, profound, secure, meaningful and wisdom-filled than that initial proclamation. All Christian formation consists of entering more deeply into the kerygma, which is reflected in and constantly illumines, the work of catechesis, thereby enabling us to understand more fully the significance of every subject which the latter treats.” Frank Sheed - “It’s the union of man with God and Christ Jesus.” Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) - “Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” Saint Mother Teresa - “Do you want to change the world? Go home and love your families.” Five Practical Takeaways Talkie-talkie: Pick a person and tell them about a change Christ has made in your life. Walkie-walkie: Don’t gossip this week. At all. Literally. Talkie-talkie: Invite a co-worker or acquaintance to grab a coffee and get to know them better. Walkie-walkie: Fast for one day and donate the money to charity or your parish. Talkie-talkie: Ask a person what Christ has done in their lives. Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Perpetual Penitent” VanVickle and I (Mike “Gomer” Gormley) are talking about something we all know, but few people truly understand—God’s love. We’ve heard, “God loves you” just enough to make us content with the thought of it, and totally unfamiliar with the radial depth of that reality. By looking at some passages in the Bible (the woman at the well, the Good Samaritan, the conversion of Zacchae′us the tax collector) we discover the beautiful truth of God’s love: that he knows us through and through, and loves us more deeply than we can comprehend in this life. (Something to look forward to in death, am I right?) _Snippet from the Show What we desire most of all is to be known, and loved. Because if you are loved, but not known, that’s superficial and weak. If you’re known, but not loved, that’s our greatest nightmare. _ Get the shownotes! Text ESKB to 33-777 or email us at eksb@acensionpress.com Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Dandy” VanVickle and I are talking about a different approach to evangelization: philosophy. A lot of people respond to the kerygma alone, but some really need a rational argument to understand the reason for belief in God. So today we dig into natural happiness. To be brief, the idea is that nothing in the world can completely satisfy us, because we were made for something eternal, which is God. We also talk a bit about parish bureaucracy and the hierarchy of the Church. Let’s just say you should pray for your parish. What do you think about philosophical approaches to evangelization? Do they work? Are they helpful? Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. Snippet from the Show “Your spouse is not sufficient to make you happy. They are a human person and your heart has an infinite longing that only an infinite God can fulfill. So if you demand your husband or wife to complete you, you are asking them to be God for you. That’s unrealistic.”Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “He Stole My Eggo” VanVickle and I are coming up with answers faster than the dusty magic 8-ball that’s probably still in your attic somewhere. We’re addressing your quick questions about parish life and evangelization including: What’s the deal with stewardship parishes (parishes where your salary is on record so they’re sure you’re tithing fully)? How can I make discipleship tracks in my parish? How can I talk about Jesus when talking in general is hard enough? ... (I'm an introvert) And how can I be a good witness when the first contact I have with someone is about sexual morality? Snippet from the Show “It’s easier to give money than it is to give your whole life.” Five Practical Takeaways Look for ways to bring the Holy Spirit into your daily job or hobby. Look at local events and go to one of each: Kerygma, Catechesis, and Conquer. Kerygma event - retreat or a speaker at your parish Catechesis event - Bible study or other learning opportunity Conquer event - outreach event at your parish, or volunteering opportunities Five Minute Exercise: Go on YouTube and find videos that fall into the Kerygma, Catechesis, and Conquer categories above and maybe send them out. Ascension Presents has some good ones for you! Intercessory Prayer: Prayers for Catholics involved in OBGYN and family medicine. Introverted ways to evangelize: Do it online! Head over to Brandon Vogt’s Strange Notions and read up, or consume “Classical Theism Podcast” and share it out there on your social feeds. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave.Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave "Skull Crusher" VanVickle and I talk about seven common pitfalls of evangelization that we see at parishes around the country. Recognize any? Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Dutch Shnauzer” VanVickle and I (Michael “Gomer” Gormley), tell you how to start catalyzing parish evangelization and how not to make the kinds of mistakes we made when we were but young, eager, parish evangelization greenhorns. Snippet from the Show This is not the time for good priests, good bishops, and good Catholics; it is a time for heroic priests, heroic bishops, and heroic Catholics. Shownotes Listener Feedback from Amanda Last week I met with a local parish priest to talk about the possibility of creating an evangelization position at his parish. I'm a former campus missionary (Brew City Catholic, I think Gomer spoke at one of our annual conferences!) and Father wanted to invite me to help him convince his parish and finance councils that creating a dedicated Director of Evangelization position would benefit the parish. In order to do this, he asked if I'd be able to develop something like a 5 year plan. As soon as I left that meeting I searched "Parish evangelization podcasts" which is how I came across the two of you! In the past week, you've become my favorite podcast. I love the practicals! My question for you is this: where should I start? Do you have any resources that I could explore as I begin to develop this plan? My "Step One" as it were is simply to start an intercessory prayer group, but I'm rather intimidated by what is a very daunting task. If we succeed in convincing the council that this position is worth it, I would in fact be the only full time person on staff. Our religious education program is through a different parish. It would be the pastor and I starting almost essentially from scratch. This is a vague request, but I appreciate any wisdom you can share! 8 Things to Consider When Developing a Parish Evangelization Plan ADULTS NEED CONVERSION: Most Catholic parish employees and volunteers do not think adult Catholics need evangelization, but they desperately do. Evangelicals convert adults. They target adults and they get them. We don’t because we just make assumptions about faith and conversion. STUDY OF EVANGELIZATION: Your parish council and finance council needs to understand the Church’s vision of evangelization and Catholic discipleship. You need to study the heck out of this so it becomes second-nature to you and you can educate the staff, the councils, and any key stakeholders. START AT THE END OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP: List the qualities of a Catholic disciple in your parish. What are the different aspects of following Christ that matter most. Then ask yourself, “What do we currently offer and what new things need to come into being that will lead people to this end goal of discipleship?” THE PITCH NEEDS A TIMELINE: Your councils want practicals. Your case becomes stronger when you offer a timeline and your strategic initiatives to them to consider. SOW THE SEEDLINGS YOUR FIRST YEAR: Councils want to see the sizzle, “What are you offering us now?” They want to see where the money goes quickly, but you need the time to build up discipleship. So, create seedling programs that are short and sweet that will perhaps later be developed into full-blown ministries or processes. This demonstrates your are building something and you take away their anxiety. THE FORMALIZED GOAL OF ONE-ON-ONE MINISTRY: Part of my job is meeting one-on-one with people and working with them. Start with the classes and funnel them down to the small group. From the small group, try to connect with them one-on-one. Also, the people in the office and the pastor and the councils and any other stakeholders need to see that meeting one-on-one is an essential part of your ministry. Others will gossip incessantly that you aren’t doing your job because you aren’t in your office. But meeting with people is your job. PARTNER WITH ALREADY EXISTING MINISTRIES: The lowest hanging fruit is partnering with the ministries and groups that already exist at your parish. Your job will be to change the culture toward evangelization, constantly holding evangelization up to them and showing them how central it is to the Catholic life. Offer retreats, days of reflection, brief talks, testimonies, whatever it takes to these groups to spread the gospel. TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE PARISH’S CULTURE: Do not, for the love of Christ, try to put a round peg in a square hole. Understand your parish’s culture and specific ministries’ cultures before you start imposing your approach onto them. Realize culture is expressed through things like schedules and priorities at the parish. Do your best to work within the culture to change the culture, but don’t think you'll be successful if you blindly start throwing things around. Nothing will stick. Nothing will change, unless you’re patient! Five Practical Takeaways Pray for the Councils who will make these decisions. And listeners, let’s all pray a Hail Mary right now for Amanda, her pastor, and her parish. Meet regularly with a group of like-minded people in the parish to pray and discuss the missionary nature of the Church and the parish. Come up with your top three essential tasks of a director of evangelization and email them to us. We will figure out what to do with them. List five things besides going to Mass that makes someone a practicing Catholic. Do something daring for the gospel. Resources Steubenville Discipleship Quad Models of the Church by Cardinal Avery Dulles The 99: An Evangelization Mission Series Pocket Guide to the Rosary by Matt FraddSupport Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Have you ever wondered how to go about training Catholic lectors or how to inspire teens as they begin preparing for confirmation? In this special episode of_ Every Knee Shall Bow,_ hear two practical applications where Michael Gormley preaches first to Confirmation teens and then to lectors at his parish. Snippet from the Show "We shall not approach the text of the Word of God so casually when we are in the midst of the Liturgy. This is not a performance. This is a proclamation." Shownotes Inspiring Teens Who Are Preparing for Confirmation In this first talk, Michael "Gomer" Gormley uses humor and personal testimony to relate to teens as they embark on their journey towards Confirmation. During his presentation, he holds up one of the Church's newly canonized saints, St. Cardinal Henry Newman, as a model for Catholics who question and seek: St. Cardinal Henry Newman - “A thousand questions does not a single doubt make.” Training Catholic Lectors In this second talk given to Catholic lectors in training, Michael "Gomer" Gormley explains the gravity and beauty of proclaiming God's word. Listen to how he connects a lector's role with personal spirituality and the goal of conversion. Here are the quotes he references during this presentation: Dei Verbum - “The Holy Spirit is the principle divine author of sacred scripture” Read the rest here Pope St. John Paul II - “I use the word communion not community because I don’t want people thinking the Church is a sociological reality, it is first a theological reality.” Romans 5:14 - “Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.” Read the rest here Romans 6:3-4 - “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Read the rest here St. Teresa of Avila - “If you want to hear God talk to you, read scripture. If you want to see a miracle, go to Mass.” Francis Chan - “Imagine someone told you, ‘I want you to go to the nearest cemetery, and I want you to pray fervently to raise one person from the dead. Not the whole cemetery just one person.’ Who would you take with you?... I’ll tell ya who I’d take: I’d take that person who's known for always coming into the presence of God. Because to raise the dead is a miracle. And isn’t that what conversion is?” Resources 1 Corinthians 15 Romans Bible Study The Bible Timeline Chart Ephesians 1Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)