| What is the LOTW Process? |
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The Light of the World Evangelization Process (“LOTW Process”) is a powerful plan for evangelization and renewal within an individual parish. Its goal is not merely to fill seats at Sunday Masses. Rather it seeks a true conversion of heart through a personal encounter with the Risen Christ. The LOTW Process is a response to the “Great Commission” - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations (Mt 28:19). It reaches out to all, from the beginning “seeker” to the mature Catholic Christian. It lovingly welcomes and responsibly nurtures all who seek the Truth of Christ. The LOTW Process is a realization of Evangelii Nuntiandi - Evangelizing is . . . [the Church’s] deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize. (Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi 14). The Process promotes evangelizing not as a task reserved for clerics, but a way of life for all the faithful. The LOTW Process is an answer to the call for a “New Evangelization” by Blessed John Paul II. The Process invites every member of the parish to use his/her particular gifts to reach out to all within the parish boundaries who are open to the call of Christ. The LOTW Process is not a new movement or method of lay spirituality. It is merely an expression of the life of the Church as it was instituted by Christ, begun by the Apostles and is meant to be lived out today. It promotes a personal encounter with the living Christ, a loving relationship with Him, and the building of a supportive community of believers. The LOTW Process proclaims the kerygma – the Good News of Salvation – in an effective, personal way and invites its heartfelt acceptance. It affords parishioners the opportunity to better understand and more devoutly embrace the Sacraments. It invokes the power of Holy Spirit. And, it challenges parishioners to live as disciples and apostles in their daily lives. The LOTW Process can be implemented by any parish, anywhere. It is both “doctrinally sound” and “user friendly.” It is undertaken by parishioners with their pastor. The Process is supported throughout the United States and in Australia by the Light of the World Evangelization Ministries professional staff and dedicated volunteer personnel. Light of the World is a Three-Part Process: Part 1: Light the Fire through a Kerygmatic Retreat. Part 2: Feed the Fire through ongoing adult formation. Part 3: Spread the Fire through internal and external parish outreach efforts. |