As baptized Christians, we have an obligation to proclaim the Gospel. Saint Paul VI reminds us that “Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize, that is to say, in order to preach and teach, to be the channel of the gift of grace, to reconcile sinners with God, and to perpetuate Christ's sacrifice in the Mass, which is the memorial of His death and glorious resurrection” (Evangelization in the Modern World, 14).
People are hungry for the Good News that Christ lived and died for our salvation. Saint Paul admonishes us to “preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season” (2 Tim 4: 2) and we must use all the gifts, creativity, wisdom, and prudence we have to continue to answer that call now, more than ever. Jesus Himself had to contend with the obstacles of His day in preaching the Gospel and so must we.
These guidelines are intended to facilitate our fulfillment of that mission to which we have been called. COVID-19 has reshaped many plans and priorities and we have had to adapt in serving the formation of our Catholic people. Current trends indicate that these new and unique challenges are not going away anytime soon, and the 2020-2021 faith formation year will be altogether different for everyone.
General Principles:
“Faith formation” is used in this document as an all-inclusive term referring to adult formation, youth ministry, family formation, and programs of systematic catechesis and sacramental preparation for children.
There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread by food. However, people sharing utensils and congregating around food service areas can pose a risk.
All participants should: