‘Come, Encounter Christ!’ events infuse powerful message of inspiration for evangelization

Metro Detroit — “Come, Encounter Christ!” is an experience that’s difficult to describe, even for those who attend.

“It’s hard to put into words; I was here every night, and it’s just been great,” said Amanda Chouinard, a parishioner at St. Genevieve-St. Maurice Parish in Livonia, where the first of 30 such events took place Sept. 30-Oct. 2. “I just saw the ‘Come, Encounter Christ!’ poster, and something just told me to go.”

“Come, Encounter Christ!” is a series of praise and worship services featuring reconciliation and Eucharistic adoration, coupled with powerful live music, special lighting and preaching about the New Evangelization.

“Tonight, we focus on following Jesus,” said Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Byrnes during the third night of “Come, Encounter Christ!” at St. Genevieve-St. Maurice. “Jesus said, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ We give witness to the power of mercy of his life.”

Bishop Byrnes’ sermon stressed the ability and importance for every Catholic to be an evangelist through words, actions and spirit.



“The disciples of Jesus are the salt of the earth,” Bishop Byrnes said. “Unless we make an impact, we lose our flavor, we lose our faith. As Catholics, it’s kind of what we have done. You never need a time to evangelize, but we need to make the time. Time to do the very thing Jesus created his Church for, to tell people about him.”

The events feature live music and dynamic lighting, bringing an atmosphere of praise and worship not often scene in Catholic churches.

“Come, Encounter Christ!” is part of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s evangelization initiative, which is helping prepare local Catholics for a coming synod in 2016 and beyond. For some who attended, it’s just what the Church needs now.

“I loved what was said about the need to evangelize,” said Craig Head, another St. Genevieve-St. Maurice parishioner. “I think this could be a game-changer for our Church. This is what it means to follow Jesus, to tell people about him. Sometimes, we expect the Church to evangelize, but that’s what we are called to do. The Church isn’t meant to be a closed system for like-minded people; it is meant to bring the faith out to the public.”

During the “Come, Encounter Christ!” event at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Parish in Warren, Fr. Patrick Gonyeau acknowledged the difficulties that come with speaking about Jesus in public.

“We don’t have to answer all the questions, we don’t have to be perfect to be an evangelist,” Fr. Gonyeau said. “It’s OK to acknowledge being an evangelist is hard. If you have a bad past, use it to your advantage. If you don’t know the answers, admit your fault.”

Fr. Gonyeau and Bishop Byrnes had a central theme about evangelization: To let others know that Jesus Christ is the greatest gift anyone can receive.

Following the sermons was a Eucharistic procession with the monstrance and Blessed Sacrament through and around the church, allowing for veneration and worship.



“Don’t worry if people don’t believe, that’s the Holy Spirit’s job,” Fr. Gonyeau said. “You’ll be amazed what Jesus will do for you. Making him known by works and deeds is our joy. What could be better than walking with Jesus? Tonight, I leave you with this challenge, when the monstrance comes by, surrender yourself to him. Surrender yourself, and he will take care of the rest.”

Richard Zalewa of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Warren liked the call to evangelize, something he feels Detroit-area Catholics haven’t done enough.

“I found tonight uplifting,” Zalewa said. “I found the words of evangelizing with new tools and carrying out the mission very appealing. We’re called to grow and fertilize our faith. Some feel their faith is something that’s personal, but it’s meant to be shared, meant to be filled in the hearts of others. The priests can’t carry it all; we need to bring that faith to others.”

After the preaching and adoration, attendees watched a short video from Archbishop Allen Vigneron about the evangelization initiative. The video discussed the state of the Church in Detroit, including the closing of parishes and a loss of the Church’s rich heritage in Detroit, but highlighted what faith can bring to the area and how every Catholic in the archdiocese is obligated to make a difference.

Many who came weren’t sure what to expect, adding to the impact “Come, Encounter Christ!” had on them.

“I didn’t really have any expectations on what tonight would be or how many would be here,” said Marie Miller of St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families. “I was surprised how many showed up. There is a real curiosity, a real hunger for the Lord. You could feel the Holy Spirit working.

“Tonight, I realized how much God loves me, and how it gets better when others experience the Lord. It was really encouraging. I can’t tell you the reason why you should go; just go, and see it for yourself.”

 

‘Come, Encounter Christ!’

Visit www.aod.org/encounter for the full schedule of “Come, Encounter Christ!” events.