Walk With One

Someone who knows nothing about the Catholic faith - who has never heard of the Eucharist; who has never been to a Catholic Mass before -- should be able to come to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish on any given Sunday and see the way the Eucharist is handled, revered and worshipped and be able to say, "I don't know what that is, but there's something special about that."

We are all called to evangelize, and thanks to the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are well-equipped for this mission. It may not mean spreading the Gospel in a foreign land or going door-to-door with the Good News—and it may require overcoming some fears—but the Lord is asking each of us to step out of our comfort zone and evangelize one-on-one.
 
There is someone in your life right now whom Jesus longs to call to himself. He wants to spark a relationship with them and bless them with his sacraments. In this Year of Mission, Catholics across the U.S. are saying “yes” to a special form of heart-to-heart accompaniment called the Walk With One initiative. 
 
This is your opportunity to be God’s instrument in the life of another person. Imagine how our families, neighborhoods, and country will be transformed if every active Catholic answers this call!
 
 
By virtue of our Baptismal calling, the Lord is sending each of us to give witness to his saving love.
 

Where do I start with inviting someone to take a step closer to Jesus? How might I invite them forward in their faith? Here’s a simple four-stage process of accompaniment that focuses on a “heart-to-heart” approach. 
 
Identify someone in a spirit of humility
Intercede for that person in communion with the Holy Spirit
Connect in Eucharistic friendship
Invite that person on a path most suitable for him or her

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul.
I adore you.
Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me and console me.
Tell me what I must do.
Inspire me with what I must say
Give me Your orders.
I promise to submit my myself to You in all that You ask of me and to accept all that You permit to happen to me.
Let me only know Your will and do Your will.
Amen.
 

Prayerfully begin to discern whom God is calling you to accompany. Before you begin the process of inviting someone into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, spend time in prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you in this process. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the person that he wants you to accompany. Consider going to Eucharistic adoration or committing to a period of silent prayer in a church to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

Pray for the grace to be able to accompany the person whom the Lord has laid on your heart. Now that the Lord has identified a person whom you know, commit to pray for them for a specific period of time, asking God to open the opportunity for a conversation. Pray for any struggles the person might be facing with brokenness or sin, and for any obstacles that might impede this person from drawing closer to Jesus and exploring the Catholic faith more deeply. Consider offering a holy hour or a novena of prayer for that person

Look for ways to accompany the person you have prayed for, to build a deeper relationship, and to practice the art of empathetic listening. Eucharistic friendship builds upon the dynamic that Jesus revealed in his relationships with the disciples and, above all, at the Last Supper—he takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it. It is important to take or receive what the other person has to share, to bless or lift it up in prayer, to let the Holy Spirit help break open an area for potential growth, and then to give of yourself in response. It is also important to recognize that this may not be a “one and done” conversation but is more likely to be a series of conversations and invitations, developing a real friendship with that person. Find an appropriate time to begin growing in your friendship, perhaps over coffee or lunch. Listen deeply for promptings from the Holy Spirit as you get to know your friend’s joys and struggles. Share with them some of your own. Listen respectfully when the conversation turns to spiritual matters, including their relationship with God and questions or concerns about the Church, and reserve judgment about their opinions. Some people might be ready to discuss the spiritual life after only a conversation or two, while for others it might take more time.

Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit to invite him or her to a concrete next step in fostering a personal relationship with Jesus and the Church. It is important to remember that it may not be easy to invite a person to come to Mass, particularly someone who has been away for some time or someone who has had no religious formation. It may be better to begin with an invitation to a parish small group experience, a service opportunity, or a social event. For those who need healing or an experience of God’s merciful love, an invitation to accompany them to the Sacrament of Reconciliation could be appropriate. If you discern that inviting the person to Mass is the best next step, encourage them to come with you and your family or with a group of friends. Your invitation could be as simple as: “Our family/my friends and I always look forward to celebrating Sunday Mass. It is a source of strength and hope for us, and it reaffirms our trust in Jesus. My family/friends and I would love for you to come with us. We are going to the 10:30 am Mass at St. John Parish on Sunday, and you are welcome to come with us to Mass and to lunch afterwards. If you need a ride, let me know!” If the person shuts down the conversation, do not take it personally. Maybe they are not yet ready. Follow up with a statement that keeps the door open. “I understand. Thank you for talking with me about this. If you ever want to talk about your faith, I am always here for you.” No matter what the outcome is, keep persevering in your friendship and ask the Lord to continue to guide you. After every encounter, thank God for the conversations that you have been having and remember to keep this person in your prayers.

This Eucharistic Examen (see link to document below) is designed to be used as part of your “Walk with One” journey. Throughout each stage of the journey, pray this examen to help you discern the path the Lord is calling you to follow in accompanying another person towards Jesus.