Increased vocations need the yeast of evangelization

By RAMON GONZALEZ
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

Christian formation in the family is the key to increasing vocations to the priesthood, Cardinal Marc Ouellet said during a recent visit to Edmonton.

"And also I think that we need a new evangelization, a movement of evangelization to help young people to have a sense that their faith is not just an individual matter but is also an ecclesial one and something that is bringing fraternity," the cardinal said at a news conference at the Catholic Pastoral Centre Sept. 8.

Announce Jesus Christ

"I think that we really need a new evangelization to promote and to teach and to announce the person of Jesus Christ and what it means for the world and for humanity.

"I think that's what we have to teach: the Gospel, the conversion and the call to follow Christ in the way that he has established it and vocations will continue to come and to offer a service to the Church and to the world."

The new evangelization must include proclamation of the faith, movements and families that have a good catechetical program, better preparation for the sacraments in parishes and a strong youth movement.

"I think we need to support and develop more youth movements and you have the experience of the charismatic movement in France in particular, which is very fruitful in vocations," he said.

The Little Sheep of Jesus

In Quebec 20 years ago a movement called The Little Sheep of Jesus started as a movement of evangelization for small children. Today the movement has adolescents and adults. "You have vocations coming out of this movement," the cardinal noted. "I think it is a sign of hope. We need formation in the faith from the beginning to adult life."

A couple of months ago the Church in Quebec invited young people from all over Canada to prepare the Eucharistic Congress 2008.

"We expected 400; we had 600," Ouellet said excitedly. "Some were from Edmonton, some from elsewhere. It was extraordinary and they returned to their places with great enthusiasm and this movement is growing. And so I look to the future with confidence."

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