What is Apologetics? “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Definition: Giving reasons for the faith; WHY

What does the Catholic Church exist?

The Church’s Purpose ‘Evangelization is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize.’ On Evangelization in the Modern World, Pope Paul VI

What is Evangelization? ‘The proclamation of Christ and his Gospel by word and the testimony of life, in fulfilment of Christ’s command’

What is the Gospel? ‘in Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man, who died and rose from the dead, salvation is offered to all men, as a gift of God’s grace and mercy.’ (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 27).

The Good News, the kerygma: 1. God created you for a relationship with Him 2. Our relationship is broken through sin 3. Jesus restores our relationship through his death and resurrection 4. We need to respond to his invitation-repent, believe, and be Baptized

New Evangelization?

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 1 Peter 3:15

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 1. Personal Witness

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 2. Heart for the Lost Luke 15:1-7 Acts 4:12 Jn. 14:6

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 3. “gentleness and reverence”

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 4. Perception Matters: a) of the Church

Perception of the Church How does understanding this perception help us speak more effectively with those we wish to explain the faith to?

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 4. Perception Matters: b) of Jesus

Perception of Jesus Why is clarity about Jesus and his cross so critical to apologetics and evangelization?

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 5. One mouth, two ears

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 6. Go for common ground

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 7. Struggles and Doubts: -Lack of success -Lack of confidence

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 8. The Holy Spirit

Basic Principles of Apologetics “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.” 9. Get out of the boat!