Leveling sessions part of evangelization plan

During 2018, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis will be visiting parishes throughout the archdiocese to help members become disciples for Christ.

"Leveling sessions are often a first step in forming an evangelization team, leadership team or intercessory prayer group,” said Jim Jansen, the office’s director.

“We get to know the individuals and make recommendations to the pastor concerning who might be a good fit for various roles, and we will give ongoing mentorship with those teams as they begin to implement their evangelization plans.”

And, every parish needs to have a “conversion engine” that fosters adult conversion, Jansen said, whether it be Alpha, Christ Life, Christians Encounter Christ (CEC) or another program.

But parishes have flexibility in implementing their plans, he said.

“It doesn’t make sense for us to recommend starting a new program if there’s already one that fits the culture and is fruitful for the parish.”

Leveling sessions are planned for several parishes early this year, including St. Boniface in Elgin, St. John the Baptist in Fordyce, St. Joseph in Platte Center, St. Michael in Tarnov, St. Patrick in Gretna, St. Peter in Newcastle and St. Stanislaus in Duncan, Jansen said.

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis presented the leveling sessions at the seminarians’ retreat Dec. 28 and 29 in Omaha, and will present them at the clergy conference in Schuyler in February and later for archdiocesan staff, he said.

Jansen’s office also will host a separate program for anyone wanting to learn about and acquire skills to help them evangelize. Called “Missionary Discipleship 101,” the program is set for Jan. 27 at St. James Parish in Omaha and March 2 at St. Mary Parish in Norfolk.

The eight-hour program will focus on developing skills for sharing one’s faith story, leading small groups such as prayer or Bible study groups, and personal prayer, Jansen said.