Fr. Mike on Evangelization: Telling the Story of God’s Love

Fr. Mike speaks about evangelization, new media, and telling the story of God’s love at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. Addressing future pastors, he tells them “the heart of your formation is to become a dad” to your parishioners. He encourages them to use the same motto they use at the Newman Center of the University of Minnesota, Duluth, where he serves as campus minister. The motto he shares with students there is “See a need, fill a need.”

In other words, you don’t have to wait for permission to share the gospel, to be charitable, or to do good.

Evangelization in the new world is at its heart no different than it’s always been. As Pope St. Paul VI shared in Evangelii Nuntiandi, if you’re baptized, you’ve been anointed to spread the gospel. And as Christ says when commissioning the apostles:

“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samar′ia and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Christ is saying it’s our job to continue his mission.

But it’s not all about going out. We also need to go in, to look inward. Before we go out to evangelize, we need to invite Christ into our hearts.

What does it mean to know him? And what does all of this have to do with new media? It’s all connected because of one word: story. Evangelization is about telling the story of God’s love as you have experienced it, and new media is just a new medium for spreading that centuries-old message, the kerygma.

How do you become a Catholic speaker? “Well, you get baptized and then you start talking” Fr. Mike says.

Opportunities will come, but your first yes has to be to Christ. And the opportunities don’t have to be to speak to thousands of people thousands of miles away. Saying yes to Christ means being willing to talk about him to one person one block or one house away, or just to the person in front of you. Just as it starts with a personal encounter with Christ, the next step is to tell the story of God’s love for you to one person.

So how do we evangelize with new media? We don’t if we aren’t willing to do it without new media.

Also, getting into new media requires more than a person sitting in his living room sharing his opinion on something. It requires an entire Church community, and you. The speaker speaks, the team puts everything together, but the most important piece is the person who shares the video, program, podcast, or article with someone they know and love.

At the end of the talk, Fr. Mike answers questions about what role social media should play in a seminarian’s formation, and a pastor’s mission, among other questions.

Check out St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and their John Cardinal Foley Chair

MORE FROM ASCENSION


SOCIAL MEDIA

[goldberg]

im a protestant messianic jew, , and its such a blessing to see that there are so many catholic brothers and sisters hungry to evangelize

[JustMe-xlrm]

This father Mike changed my view on Catholics. This man of God breeches breaches all so-called religion he speaks to all individuals for me I am so glad I was able to find this person that reaches all people not just those that are Catholic. I thank God for you Father Mike you are truly a man of God for every person not just Catholics. I thank God for you

[monicabagonamarkande]

I love how Father Mike preaches in a way that you would stop everything and listen. I wish all preachers would have this grace too of capturing the audience. By God’s grace each one of them would get to bring as many souls as they can to and back to the faith. A lot more people would want to come to church without no effort then for sure. 😊❤️🙏

[JayRedding_]

Prayer is the most important part of my day. I can't be a mediocre dad. My kids deserve better than that.

[josephjackson]

When I pray for someone, especially if they are in a specific need, I pray that they come to know God and to love Him.

[marialaurafuentes]

My life does not make sense unless I know him. Top statement, Thank you father Mike

[stonwall]

To the entire Ascension Presents Team,
God bless you.
God bless you.
God bless you.

[joan]

I am a convert. I went to a Catholic school and on my first day Sister told the story of God's creation. In spite of opposition I was received into the Church when I was 19. I was in my 80s and found my grandparents had married in the Catholic Cathedral, andI had been led to my birthright.

[yvie]

Hello from Australia! In Australia I have only ever seen Church of England/ Anglican Churches that have the congregation facing each other across the aisle. I have only recently found Father Mike and find his talks so helpful. Born and Baptised Roman Catholic but hovered for too long and I recently asked God to show me how to be humble and to be with me because I want to be with Him . I need so much help and I know only God can help me, but I thank Him for Father Mike.

[JoseDeJesus-uxll]

My life doesn't make sense unless I know him❤

[marinakitrell]

Fr. Mike you are a amazing priest. I’m sure that Jesus is very proud.

[kimberlysmiley]

Father Mike Schmitz is such an incredible blessing, I have never seen any other human being radiate such love and it is so contagious 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[mamabearmare]

I was at this talk in person! It was such a privilege to be there. I love you Fr. Mike! Thanks for all you do.

[deanlockamy]

Wouldn't it be great if everyone on earth knew and loved Jesus Christ as we who are here today do. Knowing him is loving him and it fills the minutes, hours and days of our lives.

[RL-esgg]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. World without end.
Amen.
Great talk Fr. Mike. You have gift for this!

[jeffkenyon]

Wow I would go to church if their was a preacher like father Mike near me as a kid my grandma used to drag me to church it was boring and scary it's been 25 years since I've gone my grandma passed in July 2020 she was in a nursing home in new York in she was 92 years old and got covid 19 she was at a hospital for almost a week and wasn't aloud visitors I hate that she had to die alone when she had a huge family that loves her wow why am I putting this out their

[joeycarlson]

Father this was incredible. There's a way you look out at the crowd with such love that with only that look in your eyes I know you love Jesus with all your heart and that you will be a Saint. God bless you Fr. Mike! Thank you for everything

[celina]

Your 5-7 minute videos (and homilies) changed my life!

This was inspiring. You got me at "You don't have to wait for permission to share the Gospel".

[josephdematteo]

Thank you, Father Mike, you have made a great difference in my life and apostolate. I'm Lay Dominican, and I use your content to preach in prisons and locally.