Bobbi Govanus, parishioner at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Kissimmee, knows that through her Baptism, she was appointed Priest, Prophet and King. As she embarks on a year of renewed spiritual growth during the Year of Faith, she feels that calling comes with a big responsibility – to share God’s Word with others.
“My calling to evangelize is no different than that of St. Dominic, Mother Theresa or Tim Tebow,” she said. “I know I have been commissioned by God, and I will continue to seek the ways I am to serve him. I will testify to his faithfulness and attest to the joy which is knowing him and doing his will.”
Govanus is among many Catholics from 40 parishes and missions throughout the Diocese of Orlando growing in their faith during the upcoming year through the small Christian communities of Why Catholic?, a rich scriptural and catechetical approach created by RENEW International, a Catholic ministry organization, that gives Catholics a solid foundation to express their faith and reach out to others in faith. Govanus facilitates one of her parish’s four Why Catholic? groups.
“While preparing for our third year of Why Catholic?, I have learned that faith is not enough,” Govanus said. “Out of our weekly meetings must come action and change. If the people piously grow close to one another without taking it to the streets, God’s will for us is not being done.”
This is the third year for Why Catholic? in the Diocese of Orlando and the new session, which is all about the Sacraments, began on October 1. Throughout the upcoming year, participants will explore the importance of the Mass and Christ's presence in the Eucharist. The first four sessions cover the liturgy and provide an understanding of the Sacraments, while the following two sessions examine Baptism, one on the sacrament itself and another on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The last six sessions, which will be held in the spring, look at the remaining Sacraments, as well as devotions, sacred time and sacred space.
“One of the hopes expressed by the Holy Father for the Year of Faith is that people would re-engage their journey of faith,” said Dennis Johnson, Jr., executive director of the diocesan Office of Faith Formation. “Why Catholic? provides a great opportunity to do that in the context of small-group faith-sharing.”
Article courtesy of the Diocese of Orlando.
RENEW International on Oct 22, 2012 8:30:00 AM
Written by RENEW International
RENEW International, a Catholic ministry organization, is the leader in parish spiritual renewal and evangelization. For four decades, RENEW has served as a trusted partner to parishes and dioceses in 24 countries around the world.