| Evangelization Process |
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What is the
Light of the World Parish Evangelization Process? The LOTW Process is a powerful plan for evangelization and renewal within an individual parish. Embracing the profound words of Pope Paul VI that evangelism is the “essential mission” and “deepest identity” of the Church, LOTW answers the call of Pope John Paul II for a “new evangelization” by empowering the laity of a parish to be evangelized and to evangelize others. LOTW reaches out to every member of a parish no matter where they are in their faith journey, inviting them to a deeper relationship with our Lord and a greater knowledge of their faith, and supporting them in their renewed commitment. The heart of evangelization is a living encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. The LOTW Kerygmatic Retreat facilitates this heart-felt encounter through: (1) a fundamental proclamation of the profound Gospel message and (2) providing for a renewal of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). As a necessary step in renewing these sacraments and facilitating a closer relationship with our Lord, special attention is paid to personal healing through Confession and Reconciliation. LOTW is not merely a renewal retreat. Rather, the process provides the opportunity for the retreatants to enter into Small Faith Sharing Communities that promote adult faith formation through prayer, spiritual edification and study of our faith. LOTW also provides a vehicle for reaching out to members of the parish who have limited or no involvement in their Parish. Evangelizing is . . . [the Church’s] deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize. . . (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 14) |