Evangelizing to Atheists and Sacramental Prep Requirements

Do you have questions about evangelization and sacramental prep? Dave and Mike answer questions on evangelizing to atheists and what sort of parameters exist for requirements in sacramental prep.

Snippet from the Show
We need to constantly interject the Kerygma into all of our evangelization.

Have questions for Mike and Dave? Email them at eksb@ascensionpress.com.

Listener Question 1 (7:00)

Dave the Diamond Forger VanVickle and Gomer,

Assuming they reach a point where they start to feel that yearning for that love for God and a belief settles in, what advice do you have for planting seeds for Christianity especially helping them to go towards Catholicism rather than a non-denominational path? I have one friend in particular who I helped to become Christian after previously being Agnostic, but when he asked about Catholicism, he was hung up on rules or doctrine he disagreed with, and my answers probably fell short on why we believe what we do, where now he is a non-denominational Christian. I'd still call that a huge win, but looking for advice on how I might do a better job in those earlier conversations to plant seeds for Catholicism for when they start to explore Christianity. Any thoughts, ideas, or traps to avoid in general for talking to the millennial and gen-x fallen away christian/agnostic demographics are welcome.

Listener Question 2 (19:28)

Hello Gentlemen, big fan of the show and I hope this email finds you well. I’m looking for some assistance or thoughts on something that our pastoral council is considering as a result of Divine Renovation – that being, requiring the completion of Alpha for parents of sacramental year children, in order for them to receive their sacraments. We offer traditional CCD, homeschool, and have a Catholic school as part of our parish. We also have Alpha on a pretty regular rotation throughout the year, so it would not be difficult per se. What I’m wondering is if you are aware of many United States parishes who have successfully implemented this as a requirement (bonus points for Dave, if any are from the Pittsburgh Diocese)? Do you have any recommendations for moving this forward? Are there any canonical implications? I believe Diocesan approval would be necessary, for sure. Anyway, thank you for any guidance or thoughts on this. I truly enjoy your show! Keep up this great work of ministry.

Book Recommendations

The Handbook of Christian Apologetics by Dr. Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli

The Handbook of Catholic Apologetics by Dr. Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli