Think about all the times that you’ve been at a work function, out with friends, or even at a family gathering.  The conversation has been light-hearted and there is laughter in the air.  People are in great spirits.

Without notice, someone in the crowd makes a shift in topics, “Hey did you see what is going on with the Catholic Church?  [Insert your name], you’re one of those Catholics.  Why does the Church do that?”  All the air is sucked out of your lungs, and you feel as though you’ve been thrusted into the spotlight, and EVERYONE is waiting on your reply.

Sound familiar?

Most Catholic Christians have been in the same situation.  Our minds race and we stumble over our words and thoughts.  “What did Sister Rosemary teach me about Confession in 2^nd grade Religious Education?  Gosh, I wish I knew more about how to answer these questions – I wish I would’ve paid attention!

St. Stephen the Martyr will be bringing to the parish a program called “Reach One More”.  This is a six-week course that is designed to help provide a basic framework of how to engage in the conversation!  There will be stories shared by the teaching faculty (who are fellow parishioners), time for group discussions, and weekly coaching points that can help to train and exercise the evangelization muscle that we all have.

You don’t have to be a scripture scholar or highly studied theologian to have the conversation or even to attend.  The hope is that within the course of six-weeks, you’ll have enough tools to “Reach One More”.