In a few short weeks, Catholics from throughout the diocese and beyond will gather in Lincoln for what promises to be an extraordinarily privileged event— the evangelization conference entitled, "A New Pentecost for A New Evangelization" featuring Dr. Ralph Martin and Sister Ann Shields. You might ask: Why is this particular event so special? For a partial answer, read on. For the complete response, come and see for yourself by signing up today!
Two principal things draw people to conferences: the subject matter and the presenters. With this conference, we have real winners on both fronts. It would be difficult to exaggerate how very pertinent to our times the topics are. Just as the power of the Holy Spirit set the Catholic Church aflame two millennia ago at that first Pentecost event, so also we must be empowered by the Spirit in our day in order to respond to the challenge of protecting and preserving the faith and morals of that same Church that Jesus established for our salvation.
The first two presentations to be made by Dr. Martin take up this challenge. A New Pentecost can only happen if we let it happen—nay, if we make it happen. The New Evangelization that Blessed Pope John Paul II recently introduced to the world is predicated on the fact that we need to re-invigorate our own knowledge of and commitment to our Catholic Faith before we can hope to actualize a much-needed transformation of our culture.
The two mid-conference talks, to be given Saturday morning by Dr. Martin and Sister Ann, respectively, focus on our need to unite ourselves intimately with God through prayer and service, a task best accomplished only after experiencing personal conversion in mind and heart. Our column title, "Opening Minds and Hearts," reminds us that we have to take the first step in our own self-improvement before God by disposing ourselves to His wisdom and grace. Only then can He accomplish His will and carry out His plan in our lives.
In the final two sessions, Sister Ann will help participants focus on our role as disciples in the 21st Century. She will reiterate the function of the New Evangelization in our times and help us to equip ourselves for the challenges—indeed, the battles—brewing on the horizon of our culture, which has become increasingly anti-Christian, anti-family and anti-life.
Dr. Ralph Martin and Sister Ann Shields are uniquely qualified to prepare us to meet the challenges before us. Both have extensive experience helping Catholics to fan the flame of the Holy Spirit living within them. Their credentials are too extensive to list here, but their ongoing work with Renewal Ministries is easily accessed online.
For more information about the conference, see the accompanying ad and registration form. View the full conference schedule at: dioceseoflincoln.org. I hope to see you all there!
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