Evangelization Resources
Find below some resources available for parish evangelization.
FAQs about the Will Graham Celebration for Catholics
Why are we participating in this event?
Jesus tells us: “Go and make disciples.” It is the “Great Commission.” The Black Hills Celebration offers us an opportunity to grow as missionary disciples who freely and joyfully share the good news of our salvation in Jesus Christ. So many people continue to live without a knowledge or relationship with Jesus Christ. Our participation in the Celebration offers us formation in giving witness to Christ and opportunities to invite others to know, love, and serve our Lord within the life of the Church.
What is the goal of our participation in this event?
The first goal is formation for evangelization. We seek to develop – across our Catholic faith community – a culture of evangelization. As Catholics we want to be known for our love for Christ, our joyful witness to the Gospel, and our warm welcome and invitation to join us in the fullness of life that we have in Jesus Christ. Second, we want to bring many souls to Christ. So many people live without a relationship with God. We seek to bring them the light of Christ and the freedom and abundant life that is found only in Him. We want to reach them and invite them into our faith family to live with us in Christ. Third, we seek to build bridges with our protestant brothers and sisters in Christ. By praying together, sharing our lives in Christ together, and working for a common purpose, we are breaking down walls and building bridges of Christian charity. We can work together for the building up of God’s kingdom and the transformation of our culture.
Is it ok for Catholic to participate in this event?
Yes, Catholics can participate in this event. The Black Hills Celebration is one weekend, but our call to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a life-long mission. While Catholics and protestants have differences in theology, we do share a common aim: to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord! This clear proclamation of salvation in Jesus Christ is the heart and soul of the Black Hills Celebration. After the Celebration, we are preparing to welcome many returning Catholics or first-time seekers into our parishes and lead them – over the coming months – into the community of faith and an encounter with Jesus Christ.
Will I be required to sign a document contrary to the Catholic faith to be a volunteer at this event?
Catholics will not be required to sign any document that is contrary to our Catholic faith. We stand alongside our fellow Christians in the common proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The aim of the Black Hills Celebration is to share the Good News and to draw people to Jesus Christ in our parishes and local Christian faith communities. Catholics do not have to leave their faith at the door to participate in the Black Hills Celebration.
Will Graham Christian Life and Witness Training for Adults
You will not want to miss this free event – open to anyone!
The Christian Life and Witness Course helps believers deepen their faith in Jesus Christ and share Him with others at a Will Graham Celebration – or on their own as they witness to friends, family and co-workers.
Week One: The Christian’s Walk
Week Two: The Christian’s Witness
Week Three: The Care of New Christians.
Upon completion of this three-week course*, you are given the opportunity to become a volunteer at the Black Hills Paha Sapa Celebration with Will Graham – no obligations.
Invite your church members, friends and family too.
*Participants attend one class per week for three consecutive weeks. There will be numerous locations offered for your convenience. You may switch locations in the following weeks if you have a schedule conflict on a particular day. Location details are coming soon.
Cathedral OLPH CLW Training
Wednesdays – 9:30-11:30am – April 14, 21, 28
Blessed Sacrament Church CLW Training
Sundays – 4pm-6pm – April 11, 18, 25
Alpha Catholic
Alpha is a tool to introduce people to an initial proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ—the kerygma. As Pope Francis says, “Nothing is more solid, profound, secure, meaningful, and wisdom filled than that initial proclamation” (EG, 165).
Encounter
Alpha takes people on a journey often leading to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. It enables people to ask their questions, share ideas, build friendships, and experience the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Topics Covered on Alpha
Session 1 – Is there more to life than this?
Session 2 – Who is Jesus?
Session 3 – Why did Jesus die?
Session 4 – How can I have faith?
Session 5 – Why and how do I pray?
Session 6 – Why and how do I read the Bible?
Session 7 – How does God guide us?
Session 8 – Who is the Holy Spirit?
Session 9 – What does the Holy Spirit do?
Session 10 – How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Session 11 – How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
Session 12 – How can I resist evil?
Session 13 – Why and how should I tell others?
Session 14 – Does God heal today?
Session 15 – What about the Church?