By Msgr. Noel C. Burtenshaw

It was a beautiful spring Saturday in Atlanta. Just the right day to take the family along with a kite and joyfully fling it into the cool breezes and the blue sky.

But over 170 North Georgians made a different decision. They came together at St. Pius X High School to discuss methods of bringing the Gospel to their neighbors.

“It was a most successful conference,” said Father Dan O’Connor, Archdiocesan Chairman for Evangelization. “And those who came said so. They gave up a nice Saturday, but were well rewarded.”

Father O’Connor was speaking of the Archbishop’s Conference on Evangelization. From every parish, along with their pastors and parish staff, they came to listen and share the successes some had achieved.

Father Dick Morrow told of Home Visitation out at St. Jude’s. Transfiguration parish has its Neighborhood Outreach program that forms “base communities” in neighborhoods. Father Bob Poandl from Dahlonega told of his renewal weekend. Distinctive evangelization in the black community was outlined by Father Giles Conwill. Communications was highlighted along with many other programs that reach out with the Good News of Christianity.

The speakers and workshops were brought together by the Archdiocesan Evangelization Committee. George Clements, a member of the committee, introduced the day’s events. Afterward, he expressed great optimism for evangelization in parishes. “It was a very practical experience,” said Clements. “Each one could take an actual program idea back to the parish as a suggestion for implementation.”

Lunch was enjoyed on the grounds of St. Pius in the glorious sunshine. Ideas were exchanged and enthusiasm was obvious. “They have the springtime and summer to organize,” said Father O’Connor. “In the fall they will be ready to go to work. That’s our hope anyway.”

Beautiful music and singing was provided by the folk group of Holy Cross parish. The day was clearly a success for all who came and for the ministry of evangelization.