Again thank you to all our benefactors whose support allows us to continue to form and support Chinese lay evangelists.
I want to share with you one part of our formation programs, developing the ability to lead a complete Catechumen class. Before the catechumen class begins there is the hard work of finding catechumen candidates through different forms of "one brings one" recruitment programs, street evangelism, and advertising. Along with the catechumen class is the important service of pastoral concern for each catechumen. After Baptism we try to arrange a good community experience for the first year.
In order to enliven and make interesting the classes, especially in the pre-catechumen period, the students learn how to lead songs of praise and worship and to organize activities to arouse in and make more easily understood the theme of the day (for example, God as Creator or one the Sacraments). Using multi-media they should present the theme in a way that is logically clear, establishes emotional rapport, is interesting and leads toward Faith and arouses spiritual reflections and desires. The students also need to learn how to facilitate small group discussions that help the catechumens share questions and insights about the Faith and begin to build a community with fellow catechumens. They must also gradually teach the catechumens how to pray and prepare week-end retreats for the catechumens.
Finally, the students need to understand the process of conversion to help the catechumen make a final conversion to Jesus Christ. While theoretical knowledge is necessary, these practical abilities and the proper attitude of dependence on Jesus can only be developed with concrete practice: hence, from the first year, all our students help to run catechumen classes. By the time they graduate, most students have a basic, practical understanding of how to run a catechumen course; and more important, through experiences of both failure and success, they learn that they must continually pray and work according to God's will if there is to be any good fruit.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
May 2009 Newsletter - evangelism
The purpose of “101 Evangelism Prayer Community” is to provide the faithful with a more relaxed and stress-free way of evangelizing; and create an environment in which non-Catholics feel welcomed and can participate easily.
For example, in the case of Lu-chou St. Joseph Parish where many of parishioners found it very difficult to participate in the Systematic One Brings One program. This is because they were afraid that if they invited friends to come to a catechumen class this might hurt their relationship.
“One Brings One Evangelism Prayer Community” helped the parishioners to overcome their fear of evangelism. Through spiritual formation, companionship and friendship within the group they received God’s healing gifts physically, psychologically and spiritually. Gradually they became cheerful, courageous, altruistic and enthusiastic evangelism warriors. They wanted more people to experience the love, blessing and healing of God, which they themselves had experienced.
At St. Joseph Parish, 10 of the 17 newly baptized in 2009 were brought into the catechumen class through the one brings one evangelism prayer community.
For example, in the case of Lu-chou St. Joseph Parish where many of parishioners found it very difficult to participate in the Systematic One Brings One program. This is because they were afraid that if they invited friends to come to a catechumen class this might hurt their relationship.
“One Brings One Evangelism Prayer Community” helped the parishioners to overcome their fear of evangelism. Through spiritual formation, companionship and friendship within the group they received God’s healing gifts physically, psychologically and spiritually. Gradually they became cheerful, courageous, altruistic and enthusiastic evangelism warriors. They wanted more people to experience the love, blessing and healing of God, which they themselves had experienced.
At St. Joseph Parish, 10 of the 17 newly baptized in 2009 were brought into the catechumen class through the one brings one evangelism prayer community.
May 2009 Newsletter - fruits of the vine
In the past four months, the Taipei Evangelism Center cooperated with the Archdiocese Diocese of Taipei, Lu-chou St. Joseph Parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and other parishes instructing and preparing a total of 89 newly baptized into our Catholic family, becoming Children of God.
In the past and with this group of the newly baptized we encouraged them to join a “One Brings One Evangelism Prayer Community.” In the past many joined these communities and in this way they continued their Christian development and began themselves to evangelize others.
We give thanks and praises to the Lord for the fruits of the year of 2009!
In the past and with this group of the newly baptized we encouraged them to join a “One Brings One Evangelism Prayer Community.” In the past many joined these communities and in this way they continued their Christian development and began themselves to evangelize others.
We give thanks and praises to the Lord for the fruits of the year of 2009!
May 2009 Newsletter - latest updates
At the Evangelism Center in Kaohsiung, we started a new “One Brings One” parish program at Holy Name of Jesus Parish and at St. Joseph Hospital in February and April, respectively. We have already started a third “One Brings One” parish program at St. Vincent Parish: the first catechumen class begins on June 27. These three programs and classes are led by our full-time evangelist Li-juan Liu, third year student (evangelist-in-training) Yu-mei Huang, and second year student (evangelist-in-training) Hai-yin Wang.
There are 13 to 14 people meeting regularly at the Holy Name of Jesus Parish and 13 people at St. Joseph Hospital. Among the 13 at St. Joseph Hospital, five to six are non-Catholics and the remaining are returning Catholics.
There are 13 to 14 people meeting regularly at the Holy Name of Jesus Parish and 13 people at St. Joseph Hospital. Among the 13 at St. Joseph Hospital, five to six are non-Catholics and the remaining are returning Catholics.
May 2009 Newsletter - a story from the field
Community’s Accompaniment of a Terminally-ill Cancer Patient and his Family Members
Paul had terminal liver cancer and stomach cancer. Doctors estimated he had only six months to live, so he decided to give up the medical treatment. His wife, an alienated Catholic, accompanied him to alternative treatments for three months, but there was no improvement. She felt hopeless and wandered to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. She happened to meet me while I was the usher at a parish event and I introduced her to our “One Brings One Evangelism Prayer Community” gathering. With the companionship of the group, she experienced the healing of her body, soul, and mind, and rebuilt her faith.
In a healing prayer meeting, Paul’s terminal stomach cancer was miraculously healed! He started the liver cancer chemo therapy, and during the chemo treatment, Paul deeply felt God’s consolation and peace. He learned to appreciate life and treasure the harmonious relationships with his family members and friends. Paul also deeply felt God’s blessing and had a strong desire to be a Christian because of the healing of his stomach cancer. He actively participated in One Brings One Evangelism Prayer Community. He faithfully attended Mass after he was baptized and often wept due to God’s love.
Believe in the Lord Jesus and You and Your Household Will Be Saved!
Ah Jiao practiced the local folk religion. Because of financial difficulty, she was searching for a new life and came to the “Journey of True Love” catechumen class. It is very difficult to take Sunday off as a city bus driver, but she made every effort to take each Sunday off so she could attend the catechumen class. Ah Jiao took the catechumen class very seriously; she searched and explored Catholicism, lived a prayerful life, and entrusted her life to the Lord.
Ah Jiao planned to be baptized at Easter Vigil, but was seriously injured in a car accident two and half months before the baptism. She recovered quickly because of her faith in God. There is one thing worth mentioning – following Jesus, she kindly forgave the culprit who injured her and negotiated the compensation with a loving heart. On the day she was baptized, she knew that she had become a new person because of Jesus. She now sees her family and surroundings with a new heart.
Praise the Lord! Her daughter, who had dropped out from school, overcame depression and is back in school. Her son, who was a vagrant, told her that he will find a job and try to live a meaningful life. Ah Jiao is truly a witness of the salvation of Jesus!
Paul had terminal liver cancer and stomach cancer. Doctors estimated he had only six months to live, so he decided to give up the medical treatment. His wife, an alienated Catholic, accompanied him to alternative treatments for three months, but there was no improvement. She felt hopeless and wandered to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. She happened to meet me while I was the usher at a parish event and I introduced her to our “One Brings One Evangelism Prayer Community” gathering. With the companionship of the group, she experienced the healing of her body, soul, and mind, and rebuilt her faith.
In a healing prayer meeting, Paul’s terminal stomach cancer was miraculously healed! He started the liver cancer chemo therapy, and during the chemo treatment, Paul deeply felt God’s consolation and peace. He learned to appreciate life and treasure the harmonious relationships with his family members and friends. Paul also deeply felt God’s blessing and had a strong desire to be a Christian because of the healing of his stomach cancer. He actively participated in One Brings One Evangelism Prayer Community. He faithfully attended Mass after he was baptized and often wept due to God’s love.
Believe in the Lord Jesus and You and Your Household Will Be Saved!
Ah Jiao practiced the local folk religion. Because of financial difficulty, she was searching for a new life and came to the “Journey of True Love” catechumen class. It is very difficult to take Sunday off as a city bus driver, but she made every effort to take each Sunday off so she could attend the catechumen class. Ah Jiao took the catechumen class very seriously; she searched and explored Catholicism, lived a prayerful life, and entrusted her life to the Lord.
Ah Jiao planned to be baptized at Easter Vigil, but was seriously injured in a car accident two and half months before the baptism. She recovered quickly because of her faith in God. There is one thing worth mentioning – following Jesus, she kindly forgave the culprit who injured her and negotiated the compensation with a loving heart. On the day she was baptized, she knew that she had become a new person because of Jesus. She now sees her family and surroundings with a new heart.
Praise the Lord! Her daughter, who had dropped out from school, overcame depression and is back in school. Her son, who was a vagrant, told her that he will find a job and try to live a meaningful life. Ah Jiao is truly a witness of the salvation of Jesus!
Monday, June 29, 2009
2009年5月通訊- 牧者的話
再一次感謝所有的恩人！您們的支持讓我們得以繼續培育與支持平信徒福傳師。以下，我想與您們分享我們的福傳師培育計畫，這計畫的目標旨在培養學生有能力帶領一個完整的慕道課程。
首先，在慕道班開班前，我們會透過不同的「101 / 一領一」福傳：a.系統性101福傳、b.101福傳祈禱小團體、c.街頭佈道與宣傳等方式，尋找慕道對象。在慕道課程中，以牧養關懷照顧、引導每位慕道者與天主建立愛的關係，和不斷皈依天主。
其 次，學生會學習如何以帶領敬拜與讚美，及規劃活動等方式來激發團體動力。透過運用多元媒體，以清楚的邏輯、可以建立契合情感的方式呈現主題，為使主題更加 生動有趣，也更易於理解，以激發慕道者靈性的反思與渴求。然後，學生還要學習如何促進慕道小組討論，來幫助慕道者彼此分享，協助他們與同儕建立共同隸屬的 團體。他們也要逐步地教導慕道者如何祈禱，及如何為慕道者準備週末的退省。
最後，學生需要理解歸信的過程，好幫助慕道者做出皈依耶穌基督的決定。理論雖是必要的，但這些能力與依靠耶穌的正確態度，唯有在具體實務過程中才能發展出來。所以，從培訓的第一年開始，所有學生都要協助帶領慕道班課程。當他們畢業時，大部分學生對如何找慕道者、牧養關懷、經營慕道課程，有基本、實際的了解。
更重要的，透過經歷成功與失敗的經驗，學生會學到：如果要有所成果，他們必須持續地祈禱並渴求承行天主的旨意。
艾立勤 敬上 Louis Aldrich, S.J
2009年5月通訊- 華人福傳
【101福傳祈禱團體】旨在建立容易讓非教友參與的團體，並培育教友在輕鬆、無壓力的狀態中做【101福傳】。
以蘆洲堂為例，教友多為勞工階級，不曾被邀請參與教會服侍，因而裹足不前。參加【101福傳祈禱團體】的成員多為未歸屬堂區任何善會團體的教友，他們雖渴慕服務教會、但深覺自己各方面的不足。
【101福傳祈禱團體】首先幫助教友克服對福傳與服務的擔心、卻步，佐以團體友誼的陪伴、接納，並在其身心靈得著天主的醫治(重度憂鬱、恐慌、身體疾病等)中，使他們逐漸成為喜樂、勇敢、服務、積極福傳的勇兵。他們期盼更多人有機會經驗天主的愛、祝福與醫治，並找到生命的知己。如同自己的過程一樣。
蘆洲堂由【101福傳祈禱團體】成立的慕道班自二００九年起，已有十七個人領冼。其中十位是由團體的教友透過【101】的帶領而來。
黃惠敏福傳師
2009年5月通訊- 真人真事
藉由福傳祈禱團體陪伴癌末患者
許智雄福傳師
保祿罹患肝癌、胃癌末期，醫生判定最多六個月生命，因此他放棄治療性醫療計畫措施。他的太太（出生領洗之疏離教友）陪伴先生歷經三個月的抗癌努力卻毫無起色後，絕望而漫無目的地來到古亭耶穌聖心堂，巧遇正在教堂大廳為團體聚會接待的智雄，在了解情況後引介參加【101福傳祈禱團體】的聚會。之後在團體的一路陪伴中，經歷了個人身心靈的醫治，與信德的重建。
保祿在一次醫治祈禱會中經歷天主的大能，他的末期胃癌竟獲得了神奇的痊癒！因此得以進行肝癌化學治療。在化療過程中，保祿深刻體會到主慰與平安。他學會珍惜生命，把握與家人親友共融之情。保祿因胃癌神奇被主治癒，深感主恩隆寵，切慕信教皈依，因此積極慕道、參加101福傳祈禱聚會；更於領洗後虔誠參與彌撒，每每為主所賜聖愛感動涕泣。
「一人信主，全家得救」的美好見證！
應芝莉福傳師
阿嬌原本信仰傳統的民間宗教，因遭逢經濟困境而來到【真愛之旅】慕道班，想尋找不一樣的人生。她以駕駛公車為業，週日不一定排休，但為了慕道，她非常努力爭取排休機會。她慕道認真，勇於答問與探討，並落實祈禱生活，將生命難題交託於天主。
預 備今年復活夜領洗的阿嬌，竟在領洗前兩個半月遭遇車禍，嚴重受傷。但她信賴天主的信德，幫助她極快復原。值得一提的是，她效法基督，以仁慈對待肇事者，以 愛德交涉賠償；並且徹底原諒對方所造成的傷害，因她知道主掌管明天。領洗那日，她知道自己因耶穌而成為新造的人，她以嶄新的眼光面對家人與環境。
讚美天 主！最近，她輟學的女兒走出了憂鬱低潮，願意回到學校完成學業；原本無所事事的兒子也主動告訴阿嬌，他要找份工作，好好過日子。阿嬌的經驗見證了基督最美 的救贖！
2009年5月通訊- 最新動態
我們在高雄的福傳中心，於今年的二月、四月，分別在耶穌聖名堂與聖功醫院開設了新的慕道班。並將於今年 六月二十七日 在聖文生堂開設第三個慕道班。
負責這三個慕道班的是我們在高雄的專任福傳師——劉麗娟姊妹及神學院福傳組三年級的黃裕媚姊妹、二年級的王海茵姊妹。
位於高雄縣鳥松鄉的耶穌聖名堂，目前穩定聚會的人數約十三、十四人。而在高雄市聖功醫院聚會的十三名成員中，其中五至六名是非教友，其餘則是再慕道的教友。慕道班為每一個想更認識天主的人，提供一個與天主相遇的場所。
2009年5月通訊- 成果分享
近四個月以來，台北福傳中心在台北主教公署、蘆洲天主堂、耶穌聖心堂等地共有八十九位候洗者接受入門聖事，歡歡喜喜地加入天主教會，成為天主的兒女。
福傳中心推展[堂區系統性101福傳]、[福傳祈禱團體]後，邀請101福傳對象參加慕道班，這些受洗者皆是慕道班的成員。他們透過[101]接觸天主教信仰，展開近一年的慕道；在聖神的帶領與福傳師、培育福傳師的陪伴下，更加認識天主、與天主建立愛的關係，在愛中答覆天主召叫，受洗進入教會大家庭。
為今年福傳豐收成果，我們感謝讚美天主！
福傳中心推展[堂區系統性101福傳]、[福傳祈禱團體]後，邀請101福傳對象參加慕道班，這些受洗者皆是慕道班的成員。他們透過[101]接觸天主教信仰，展開近一年的慕道；在聖神的帶領與福傳師、培育福傳師的陪伴下，更加認識天主、與天主建立愛的關係，在愛中答覆天主召叫，受洗進入教會大家庭。
為今年福傳豐收成果，我們感謝讚美天主！
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