Our Fundamental Vision: The Local, Lay Evangelist is Paramount; and Methods are Important.
† Because history has shown clearly that the growth of the Church in Taiwan and China is linked to the number of local, lay missionaries doing full-time direct evangelism work, our primary goal is to prepare and support local, lay missionaries to do full-time direct evangelism today.
† My historical research (thorough but not exhaustive) shows an average of 10-20 Baptism per year per full-time lay evangelist (for example, in the period of "miraculous" Church in Taiwan, we had 20,000 Baptism per year from just over 2,000 local, lay evangelists).
† To aid the local, lay evangelist we continually do systematic research of the methods that are working anywhere in the Chinese or non-Chinese world today, apply them in practice and then evaluate the results.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Nov. 2008 Newsletter - Financial Support
Top Five Reasons to Support Chinese Lay Missionaries
5. 50% of the population in Taiwan has no religion and only 1.24% is Catholic.
4. I would like more people to experience what missionary works have done for me.
3. Local vocation increases when local lay evangelists increase.
2. I share Fr. Louis Aldrich’s vision, passion, and work for evangelism.
1. I cannot physically participate in evangelism programs in Taiwan, but I can be a partner by supporting them financially.Nov. 2008 Newsletter - Evangelism
In November, we remember those who have gone before us. Here we would like to remember two priests who dedicated their lives to the China Mission. They are also two of the founders of the San Jose Chinese Catholic Community which is celebrating the 25th anniversary this year.
－ The late Rev. Edward Malatesta, S.J. started to learn Chinese at age 52 so he could fulfill his dream of being a missionary in China. He assisted in the official founding of the Community under the Diocese of San Jose. In the last two years of his life, he often said: “You, Chinese, must be able to do more than what I, an American, could ever do for the Chinese.”
－ The late Rev. James Thornton, S. J. was the first chaplain of the Community for 10 years. He was imprisoned in China twice because of his Faith; he served the Chinese for over 60 years. He often told the community members, “You parents must past on your beautiful Chinese culture to the next generation.”
－ The late Rev. Edward Malatesta, S.J. started to learn Chinese at age 52 so he could fulfill his dream of being a missionary in China. He assisted in the official founding of the Community under the Diocese of San Jose. In the last two years of his life, he often said: “You, Chinese, must be able to do more than what I, an American, could ever do for the Chinese.”
－ The late Rev. James Thornton, S. J. was the first chaplain of the Community for 10 years. He was imprisoned in China twice because of his Faith; he served the Chinese for over 60 years. He often told the community members, “You parents must past on your beautiful Chinese culture to the next generation.”
Nov. 2008 Newsletter - Latest Updates
In addition to all the work presently involved in the parishes in Taipei and Kaohsiung which were mentioned in last newsletter, recently two new works.
Participation in Diocesan “ To Encounter Love ” evangelism program
Archbishop Hong of Taipei invited us to assist his special evangelism plan RCIA “Talk with the Stars Show.” We’re grateful that the Archbishop has entrusted to us the organization of the curriculum, outlining the weekly themes, providing worship music, training small group sharing leaders, publicity, and registration. The pre-RCIA phase started November 1 and over 100 non-Catholics have come the first three weeks. This is a new creative form of “101” evangelism; so please pray God will bless Archbishop Hong’s initiative.
RCIA at Fu Jen University
It has been four weeks since we started two RCIA programs of “The Path To The Truth” on the campus. We have 10 students in each program. Through music, games, short catecheses, and sharing, we hope to inspire spiritual thirst in our young and lively students. After each gathering, those who have no class usually stay and continue to share and chat; the bonding among them is growing stronger and stronger. We often use instant messaging to enhance the pastoral care.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
2008年11月通訊- 牧者的話
我們的基本願景:以本地平信徒福傳師為主，並以方法為重。
† 由歷史資料顯示，台灣和中國的教會成長與全職的本地平信徒福傳師的人數有直接的關聯。我們主要的使命是準備和支持本地平信徒福傳師可以全職的做福傳事工。
† 從我在歷史的研究中顯示，每位全職本地平信徒福傳師平均每年帶領10-20人領洗；例如在台灣教會全勝時期，2,000位本地平信徒福傳師帶領了20,000人領洗。
† 我們持續地系統性的研發各種方法幫助本地平信徒福傳師，。這些方法不僅適用於當今的中國人，也適合其他民族。我們也將理論付諸於實務，然後憑評估成果。
† 由歷史資料顯示，台灣和中國的教會成長與全職的本地平信徒福傳師的人數有直接的關聯。我們主要的使命是準備和支持本地平信徒福傳師可以全職的做福傳事工。
† 從我在歷史的研究中顯示，每位全職本地平信徒福傳師平均每年帶領10-20人領洗；例如在台灣教會全勝時期，2,000位本地平信徒福傳師帶領了20,000人領洗。
† 我們持續地系統性的研發各種方法幫助本地平信徒福傳師，。這些方法不僅適用於當今的中國人，也適合其他民族。我們也將理論付諸於實務，然後憑評估成果。
2008年11月通訊- 贊助資訊
資助華人平信徒福傳的五大理由
5. 台灣有50% 的人口沒有宗教信仰，而天主教徒僅占 1.24% 。
4. 我感謝傳教士為我所做的一切，也希望更多的人有此經驗。
3. 本地的聖召隨著本地專業的平信徒福傳師的增加而增加。
2. 我認同艾立勤神父對福傳的展望, 熱忱, 和工作。
1. 雖然我不能親身參予福傳工作，但是可由財務上的資助而成為福傳夥伴。
2008年11月通訊- 華人福傳
對傳教士的一份謝意
在這追思已亡的十一月份，想起兩位終身為華人福傳奉獻的神父。他們同時也是二十五年前創立聖荷西華人天主教教會的創立人之二。
* 已故的馬愛德神父（Rev. Edward Malatesta, S.J.）因為想要達成去中國傳教的願望，52 歲開始學中文；為中國人服務十餘年。在他生命的最後二年，他常常說： “你們中國人一定能比我一個美國人為中國人做更多的事”。
* 已故的陶雅谷神父（Rev. James Thornton, S. J. ）是聖荷西華人天主教會的第一任指導師鐸。他曾為信仰而二次在中國入獄，為中國人服務長達六十多年。他常告訴教友們： “你們做家長的一定要把優美的中國文化傳給下一代＂。
2008年11月通訊- 最新動態
除了繼續在上一期通訊中提到在台北高雄的堂區事工外，我們又新加了二項事工。
參與主教公署[轉角遇到愛]事工
台北主教公署洪總主教委請福傳中心參與一個特別的福傳計畫---[名人講堂]慕道班。感謝洪總主教的信任，凡慕道課程、主題、講綱、編寫幸福手札、敬拜歌曲、小組分享、隊工訓練、受理報名…等，均由我們執行。慕道前期已於11月1日開班，有一百多位非天主教的朋友參加了上三週的課程。這是一個新創的 “1領1”福傳形式；祈求天主降福洪總主教的新福傳計劃。
輔大校園福傳慕道班
我們在輔大校園的[真理之路---最珍貴的角落]兩個慕道班開班至今已四週，兩班聚會學生各10人。每回透過唱歌、遊戲、短講、分享，激發學生活潑及青春的特性與心靈的渴望。聚會後沒課的同學也都會留下繼續分享、懇談或閒聊，加深彼此的關係。我們也藉著各種聯誼活動，及即時通的往來，增進對他們的關懷與牧養。
參與主教公署[轉角遇到愛]事工
台北主教公署洪總主教委請福傳中心參與一個特別的福傳計畫---[名人講堂]慕道班。感謝洪總主教的信任，凡慕道課程、主題、講綱、編寫幸福手札、敬拜歌曲、小組分享、隊工訓練、受理報名…等，均由我們執行。慕道前期已於11月1日開班，有一百多位非天主教的朋友參加了上三週的課程。這是一個新創的 “1領1”福傳形式；祈求天主降福洪總主教的新福傳計劃。
輔大校園福傳慕道班
我們在輔大校園的[真理之路---最珍貴的角落]兩個慕道班開班至今已四週，兩班聚會學生各10人。每回透過唱歌、遊戲、短講、分享，激發學生活潑及青春的特性與心靈的渴望。聚會後沒課的同學也都會留下繼續分享、懇談或閒聊，加深彼此的關係。我們也藉著各種聯誼活動，及即時通的往來，增進對他們的關懷與牧養。
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Oct. 2008 Newsletter - fm Fr. Aldrich
A Summary Report
This last August we started our first Evangelism Center with three lay evangelists who organized three “Systematic One-Brings-One Evangelical Projects” which resulted in 33 baptisms. Later in the year they also organized four other pre-RCIA programs and are presently serving 53 catechumens. Given this is the first year and that the historical average is 10 baptism per lay evangelist, we are very satisfied with the fruits of this first year. Our three evangelists in Taipei have also started cooperating with the campus minister of Fu Jen University to promote evangelism among university students. In February we started a second Evangelism Center in Kaoshuing with one evangelist; he has been working hard by himself and has organized one successful Systematic One-Brings-One Project: currently there are about 18 catechumens attending this RICA program. Next February a newly graduated lay evangelist will join him. Soon we will starts systematic projects in three new parishes.
The Success of the Two Types of Evangelism
St. Joseph Parish is located at Lu-Chou in Taipei County. There are about 200 active parishioners which is about 50% of the registered parishioners. In September 2007, St. Joseph Parish and Evangelism Center jointly started the [1-0-1 Systematic Evangelical Program]. 1-0-1 means One Invites One in Chinese, so parishioners started with inviting and accompanying their loved ones to attend the “Church Tour” activity, which is the first session for pre-catechumens. Parishioners also try their best to accompany their loved ones who are attending RCIA classes. Because the parents who attend RCIA need babysitters during the session, we provide Sunday School for their children too. By the end of July this year, we baptized eight adults and five children.
On December 15, 2007, we started a new[1-0-1 Prayer Group] at St. Joseph Parish. This is also our first attempt to evangelize in this new method. The Prayer Group meets for 90 minutes every week. The meeting includes singing, verbal prayer, theme sharing, intercessory prayer, and personal sharing. The mission is to create a prayer community in which non-Catholics feel welcomed and can easily participate. If they like this community, they are welcomed to stay and invited to join RCIA at the right time. In the past nine months, the Prayer Group peaked at sixteen parishioners. Though the prayer group, twelve non-Catholics joined a RCIA program. Because of the hard work of the pastor, lay leaders, and our evangelist, this first attempt exceeded our anticipated level of success.
This last August we started our first Evangelism Center with three lay evangelists who organized three “Systematic One-Brings-One Evangelical Projects” which resulted in 33 baptisms. Later in the year they also organized four other pre-RCIA programs and are presently serving 53 catechumens. Given this is the first year and that the historical average is 10 baptism per lay evangelist, we are very satisfied with the fruits of this first year. Our three evangelists in Taipei have also started cooperating with the campus minister of Fu Jen University to promote evangelism among university students. In February we started a second Evangelism Center in Kaoshuing with one evangelist; he has been working hard by himself and has organized one successful Systematic One-Brings-One Project: currently there are about 18 catechumens attending this RICA program. Next February a newly graduated lay evangelist will join him. Soon we will starts systematic projects in three new parishes.
The Success of the Two Types of Evangelism
St. Joseph Parish is located at Lu-Chou in Taipei County. There are about 200 active parishioners which is about 50% of the registered parishioners. In September 2007, St. Joseph Parish and Evangelism Center jointly started the [1-0-1 Systematic Evangelical Program]. 1-0-1 means One Invites One in Chinese, so parishioners started with inviting and accompanying their loved ones to attend the “Church Tour” activity, which is the first session for pre-catechumens. Parishioners also try their best to accompany their loved ones who are attending RCIA classes. Because the parents who attend RCIA need babysitters during the session, we provide Sunday School for their children too. By the end of July this year, we baptized eight adults and five children.
On December 15, 2007, we started a new[1-0-1 Prayer Group] at St. Joseph Parish. This is also our first attempt to evangelize in this new method. The Prayer Group meets for 90 minutes every week. The meeting includes singing, verbal prayer, theme sharing, intercessory prayer, and personal sharing. The mission is to create a prayer community in which non-Catholics feel welcomed and can easily participate. If they like this community, they are welcomed to stay and invited to join RCIA at the right time. In the past nine months, the Prayer Group peaked at sixteen parishioners. Though the prayer group, twelve non-Catholics joined a RCIA program. Because of the hard work of the pastor, lay leaders, and our evangelist, this first attempt exceeded our anticipated level of success.
Oct. 2008 Newsletter - A Story from the Field
On Easter Vigil this year, March 22, Monica and the other elects in the RCIA joyfully received the Sacrament of Initiation and merrily joined the Catholic family. Finally she accepted the salvation and became a God’s child that she had deeply wished for during the RCIA process.
Last year Monica Wang was invited by her brother and sister-in-law to attend the Church Tour and RCIA which was jointly organized by the Evangelism Center and the Lady of China Parish. She was one of the several who was touched by God and shed tears while touring the church; she signed up RCIA right there. She never missed any session; she even fully participated the retreat before the baptism. Through her incredible perfect attendance, she was transformed.
She always invited her son and daughter-in-law to attend each of the important RCIA rites and the Sacrament of Initiation. Her faith and joy touched her son and daughter-in-law. The daughter-in-law, Wei-Yuan Wang decided to join RCIA at Monica’s baptism; and has been a catechumen for five months now. Monica’s 3-year-old grandson, John Chu who is Wei-Yuan’s son was just baptized on Sept. 21st.
Even though Monica’s son is still too busy to join RCIA, the faith-filled family atmosphere touched him and people have noticed his change. What an amazing grace that one believes in the Lord Jesus and one’s household will be saved! It is just as Jesus promised: today salvation has come to this house. Alleluia!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please pray for Wei-Yuan. She shared with Jr-Li Yin, one of our evangelists that: during the Holy Hour last Friday, she prayed to be a lay evangelist; she is a servant of God and would like to give her life to the Lord!
Oct. 2008 Newsletter - Evangelism
Do You Know …
Catholics only consist of 1.24% of the total population in Taiwan; other Christian denominations consist of 1.76%. 50% of the population has no religion.
Catholics only consist of 1.24% of the total population in Taiwan; other Christian denominations consist of 1.76%. 50% of the population has no religion.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
2008年10月通訊- 牧者的話
活動簡報
去年8月我們的第一所福傳中心在台北開始運作．由三位福傳師舉辦了三場 [系統性101福傳] 大會，帶領了33個人領洗．之後，又建立了四個 [福傳祈禱團體] ，現有53人在慕道班中．我們非常滿意第一年就能有這樣的成果．過去的統計數字顯示，一個平信徒福傳師平均帶領10個人領洗．台北的三位福傳師也開始和輔仁大學的宗輔合作，向學生們推展福傳．
2月份第二所福傳中心也開始在高雄運作，由一位福傳師辛苦經營．他很成功地舉辦了一場 [系統性101福傳] 大會，現有大約18人在慕道班中．明年2月將會有一位新的畢業生加入陣營，與他一起工作．
最近，我們又將再與三個新的堂區開辦 [系統性101福傳] 大會．
福傳成果分享
位於台北縣蘆洲市的聖若瑟天主堂，進堂教友人數約200多人，佔教友總人數約50%．在2007年9月聖若瑟天主堂和福傳中心合作，做［系統性101福傳］．教友們開始一領一地邀請身邊的親朋好友並陪伴他們來參加［教堂參觀］的活動，也是慕道前期的第一課．教友們盡可能的陪伴他們來參加慕道課程．來上101［成人慕道班］的家長們，因為他們的孩子也需要有人照顧，所以我們也為孩子安排了主日學的課程。到今年7月為止，有8個大人及5個小孩領洗．
2007年12月15日，在聖若瑟堂我們做了一個新的嘗試，成立了［101福傳祈禱團體］．［101福傳祈禱團體］每週聚會一個半小時，內容包括：唱聖歌，口禱，主題與分享，信友禱詞方式的祈禱以及生活分享．此團體的對象是非教友，為了建立一個讓非教友容易參與的團體．也讓教友們在輕鬆、沒有壓力的環境下，一領一地邀請親戚朋友和同仁們來參加［福傳祈禱團體］． 若他們喜歡這個團體、可留在團體內；然後在適當時間請他們參加［慕道班］．蘆洲若瑟堂［101福傳祈禱團體］成立至今已9個月，人最多的時候有16位教友參加，其中8位教友們達成101的使命．至2008年9月， 已經有12位進入慕道班慕道。因為本堂神父，同工和福傳師們的辛苦耕耘，［福傳祈禱團體］的成效遠遠超過我們的估計．
去年8月我們的第一所福傳中心在台北開始運作．由三位福傳師舉辦了三場 [系統性101福傳] 大會，帶領了33個人領洗．之後，又建立了四個 [福傳祈禱團體] ，現有53人在慕道班中．我們非常滿意第一年就能有這樣的成果．過去的統計數字顯示，一個平信徒福傳師平均帶領10個人領洗．台北的三位福傳師也開始和輔仁大學的宗輔合作，向學生們推展福傳．
2月份第二所福傳中心也開始在高雄運作，由一位福傳師辛苦經營．他很成功地舉辦了一場 [系統性101福傳] 大會，現有大約18人在慕道班中．明年2月將會有一位新的畢業生加入陣營，與他一起工作．
最近，我們又將再與三個新的堂區開辦 [系統性101福傳] 大會．
福傳成果分享
位於台北縣蘆洲市的聖若瑟天主堂，進堂教友人數約200多人，佔教友總人數約50%．在2007年9月聖若瑟天主堂和福傳中心合作，做［系統性101福傳］．教友們開始一領一地邀請身邊的親朋好友並陪伴他們來參加［教堂參觀］的活動，也是慕道前期的第一課．教友們盡可能的陪伴他們來參加慕道課程．來上101［成人慕道班］的家長們，因為他們的孩子也需要有人照顧，所以我們也為孩子安排了主日學的課程。到今年7月為止，有8個大人及5個小孩領洗．
2007年12月15日，在聖若瑟堂我們做了一個新的嘗試，成立了［101福傳祈禱團體］．［101福傳祈禱團體］每週聚會一個半小時，內容包括：唱聖歌，口禱，主題與分享，信友禱詞方式的祈禱以及生活分享．此團體的對象是非教友，為了建立一個讓非教友容易參與的團體．也讓教友們在輕鬆、沒有壓力的環境下，一領一地邀請親戚朋友和同仁們來參加［福傳祈禱團體］． 若他們喜歡這個團體、可留在團體內；然後在適當時間請他們參加［慕道班］．蘆洲若瑟堂［101福傳祈禱團體］成立至今已9個月，人最多的時候有16位教友參加，其中8位教友們達成101的使命．至2008年9月， 已經有12位進入慕道班慕道。因為本堂神父，同工和福傳師們的辛苦耕耘，［福傳祈禱團體］的成效遠遠超過我們的估計．
2008年10月通訊- 真人真事
真人真事
今年復活夜（2008年3月22日）愫姐與同慕道班的其他候洗者一起滿懷喜樂的接受入門聖事，歡歡喜喜的加入教會，終於她領受了這個救恩，成為在她慕道的過程中一直深深嚮往的天主子女。
王 愫姊妹是在去年因其兄嫂的一領一邀約下，參加了福傳中心與中華聖母堂合作的教堂參觀與慕道班。她是幾個在教堂導覽當時就已感動落淚的參觀者之一，並且隨即 報名參加慕道班。慕道期間她沒有錯過任何一堂課，連領洗前的避靜，她也全程參與。她以不可能的全勤出席率完成了她的皈依。
幾次的重要禮儀及入門聖事，她都邀請兒子和媳婦參加，她的喜樂與信德感染及於自己的兒子和媳婦。媳婦王慧圓在婆母領洗的那天就決定要報名參加慕道，迄今已開始慕道5個月。他們更讓王愫姊三歲的小孫子邱士廷若望（慧圓的兒子）在上個月（九月）21日受洗，成為天主的子女。
雖然愫姐的兒子還沒抽出時間來慕道，但是全家人信仰的氛圍也已感染到他，眾人也發覺他的改變。一人信主，全家得救的奇異恩典，正如耶穌許諾的：救恩今天要臨到這一家。哈列路亞！
主內的弟兄姊妹請為慧圓祈禱；上週五守聖時的時候，她跟應芝莉福傳師分享說：她是天主的僕人，她在為蒙召做福傳師向天主祈求，她渴慕今後的一生都是為主所用。
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