By Vernon Khelawan

As we approach the end of the period dedicated by the Archdiocese to the Pastoral Priority – New Evangelisation – it is time for some introspection. The hard questions must be asked of ourselves as to whether we have been successful in carrying out this mission of the Church over the past 18 months.

We have heard repeatedly “Catholic Family Become What You Are”. Was this done in our homes? Did we invite the extended family, friends, neighbours to pray with us for the solidification of family life in the nation? Have we stressed the need to understand values and remind family and friends of the importance of respect for person and property?

Many of us have done some, or possibly all of these things in a bid to spread the Good News in a meaningful way and to keep the spirit and process of evangelisation alive in our families, our churches, our communities and our nation.

One of the weaknesses of the Church in Trinidad and Tobago is its inability to attract more vocations. This problem has been around for some time and there has been the constant call for national prayers to fill the void. But the situation tells us one thing – the New Evangelisation – has not been powerful enough, which brings us back to the point of proper and prayerful family life reinforcing the need to teach our children family values and how to be a good Catholic.

In a sense, it ultimately returns to the home. That’s where evangelisation has to start – Mom and Dad – leading the way, being exemplars and role models of the highest order. Last weekend’s editorial put it very nicely when it repeated the words of Archbishop Thomas Gullickson, the Papal Nuncio, “I don’t think there is anything more important for any of us in our lives (no matter what calling), than bringing others to know Jesus.

“Before the throne of God, mothers, and fathers, you are not going to be judged for failing to keep your children in the latest clothing styles or cell phones. No! You’ll simply be asked why you failed to bring them to know Jesus,” he said.

“Catholic Family become what you are” is a mantra all Catholics must make every effort to translate into reality. With such a practice in place, there’ll be an explosion of vocations and the New Evangelisation would have made significant inroads in these early years of the new millennium.