Volume 5 Issue 1
Fall 2014
I AM THE VINE. YOU ARE THE BRANCHES. JOHN 15:5
The Vine
E-Newsletter of the
Office for Evangelization
Inside This Issue:
Bible Study
15
Training Program
Men’s Conference 16
Women’s
Commission
17
Soles for Faith
18
March for
Marriage
19
A Tribute to Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, SDV, DD
Leading Evangelization Efforts in the Archdiocese of Newark
2004-2014
& Retrospective of the Office for Evangelization
“Never measure your generosity by what you give,
but rather by what you have left.”
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
National Catholic 20
Bible Conference
Theology of the
Body
20
Upcoming Events 22
Shepherd’s Mass
23
Array of Hope/
Matt Maher
24
Sharing the Faith 26
You Love
Keys to Dynamic
Discipleship
27
Freedom to Love
28
Forming
Intentional
Disciples
29
Newsletter
Editor - Liliana Soto-Cabrera
Layout Design - Marissa Espinosa
Spanish Newsletter Translation Cristina Pardo
The Evangelization Commission and the Office for Evangelization
wish to honor Bishop da Cunha, for his generosity of spirit in leading
and guiding the Office for Evangelization over the past nine years,
faithfully serving as Vicar for Evangelization.
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As many already know, Bishop da Cunha was appointed by Pope Francis on Thursday, July 3, 2014 to be the Eighth
Bishop of Fall River, Massachusetts. He will be installed on September 24, 2014. Of course, it is with mixed emotions
that we bid Bishop our fond farewell. He will be sorely missed.
The Office for Evangelization, (OFE) has always ascribed to the mandate given by Christ before His Ascension: “Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of
the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NAB).
This is the clarion call for all Catholics. Bishop da Cunha understood that call and always sought ways to promote the
sublime duty of evangelization. He heeded St. John Paul II’s words as proclaimed in Redemptoris Missio, 3.
“No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples.”
Even though his duties as Vicar for Essex County and Auxiliary Bishop were quite daunting, he always took an active
interest in the goals and projects of the OFE. He initiated many of the endeavors to reach out to modern man in a
way that was, as St. John Paul II expressed, when defining the New Evangelization - new in ardor, expression and
methods.
From the initial event of the OFE - the Festival of Faith (a celebration of Catholic identity); to the first Archdiocesan
Catholic 5K Run in 2010; to promoting vibrant and exciting speakers, bible teachers and unique methods of
evangelization, he was never discouraged but always forged ahead with new initiatives and ideas to reach faithful
Catholics of the Archdiocese, as well as those that were not living the fullness of the faith or those that had no faith.
He encouraged the OFE to go out into the vineyard, find out the needs of parishes in the Archdiocese and fall in love
with the flock.
A Brief History:
In 2004, Archbishop Myers asked Bishop da Cunha to lead a Task Force on Evangelization. This group met over the
course of a year, after which they decided to hire a Coordinator for Evangelization. The office opened its doors in
January 2005 with Liliana Soto-Cabrera as its Coordinator under the direction of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, who was
appointed Vicar for Evangelization. Soon after, the Evangelization Commission was formed as an advisory group to
the office. The current members of the commission are: Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda, Rev. Msgr. Richard Arnhols,
Rev. Bismark Chau, Rev. Thomas A. Dente, Rev. Matthew Dooley, Rev. John Gordon, Rev. Timothy Graff,
Rev. Michael Saporito, Sr. Patricia Lucas, Lynn Gully, Richard de la Fuente, Ron Pihokker and Liliana Soto-Cabrera.
Following development of a website and coordination of the Why Catholic? and Disciples in Mission programs
throughout the parishes of the Archdiocese, the first major event of the Office was the Festival of Faith, held in the
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, in September, 2007. Over 800 people attended the conference-type
event, which hosted various musical groups, speakers and ministries celebrating our Catholic identity.
Soon after, several working committees were established:










Bible Studies
Faith Sharing Groups
Family Outreach
Hispanic/New Evangelization Partnership (2014)
Lay Ecclesial Movements Partnership
New Evangelization/Outreach to Inactive Catholics
New Media/Communications
Parish Partnership
School of Evangelization
Youth/Young Adult New Evangelization Partnership (Y-NEP) (2013)
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Here is a brief synopsis of the many endeavors, projects, and programs initiated over the past 9 years
by these working committees under Bishop da Cunha’s leadership:
Bible Studies Committee:

Great Adventure Bible Timeline in a Day with Jeff Cavins (General Editor and Presenter of the Great Adventure
Bible Study Program) (200 attendees) - March 2008

Quick Journey through the Bible offering with Chancery Employees - 2008

24 week Bible Timeline Study, Archdiocesan Center – January 2010

Quick Journey through the Bible – 9 parishes-(over 600 attendees) - 2011 – 2012

Archdiocesan Facilitator Training Sessions – February 2011; January 2012; January 2014

“Scripture and the New Evangelization” Evening Presentation & Reception with Jeff Cavins (for Archdiocesan Bible
Study Leaders) – October 18, 2013

Matthew in a Day Live Seminar with Jeff Cavins – (350 attendees) - October 19, 2013

Various training meetings and presentations with individual parishes

Attendance and support of National Catholic Bible Conference, PA – 2012, 2013, 2014.
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Faith Sharing Groups Committee:

Why Catholic?: A Journey through the Catechism, 44 parishes, 2006 – 2009.

Disciples in Mission, six parishes, 2006-2009.

Celebration of Small Christian Communities Mass and EXPO on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at
the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark. Expo at Archdiocesan Center of more
opportunities for small faith sharing experiences.

33 Days to Morning Glory Consecration, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, South Orange, November
2013.

Catholicism Series in Spanish, Archdiocesan Center 150 attendees, 2014.
Family Outreach Committee:

Theology of the Body for Teens training days with Damon Owens, founder of the New Jersey
Natural Family Planning Association and current President of the Theology of the Body
Institute. Saturday, September 19, 2009, St. Elizabeth Parish, Wyckoff and Sunday, September
20, 2009, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Bloomfield. Over 150 attendees.

Attendance and promotion of March for Life, Washington, D.C., 2008-present.

Attendance and promotion of March for Marriage, Washington D.C., 2013, 2014.
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Hispanic/New Evangelization Partnership Committee:

Why Catholic?: A Journey Through the Catechism, 2006-2009. (¿Por qué ser Catolico?)

Disciples in Mission, 2006-2009. (Discípulos en Misión)

Collaboration with Hispanic Apostolate, coordination and organization of Regional Encounters of Youth
in
preparation for the First National Encounter for Hispanic Youth (Pastoral Juvenil). Three Archdiocesan rallies. Regional Encounter –March 24, 2006, Pennsylvania.

First National Encounter for Hispanic Youth participation, June 8-11 2006, Notre Dame University,
South Bend, Indiana.

New Evangelization Missionary Project (NEMP) Training, Archdiocesan Center, February – April 2010.
(Projecto Misionero - Nueva Evangeliación)

Annual Women’s Day of Reflection, Seton Hall University, 450-700 attendees, 2011-2014.

Facilitation of ongoing NFP private instruction for Hispanic married couples, Archdiocesan Center, 2010present.

Catolicismo program (Word on Fire), Archdiocesan Center, 150 attendees, 2014
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Lay Ecclesial Movements Partnership Committee:
Meeting with leadership of ecclesial movements in Archdiocese, beginning 2008.
Bishop da Cunha and
Cursillo Movement leaders

Pentecost Masses, 2009, 2010, 2011

Epiphany Gathering with ecclesial
movements leaders 2011; Day of
Reflection 2013

A Call to Witness in the Year of Faith: Empowering Ecclesial Movements and Lay
Communities of the Archdiocese of Newark as Agents of the New Evangelization webinar series. Four one hour webinars: Feb-
ruary 2013, April 2013, May 2013, August 2013.
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New Evangelization/Outreach to Inactive Catholics Committee:
This Committee consists of four on-going projects:
ChristLife Evangelization Process – Discovering Christ, Following Christ, Sharing Christ
New Evangelization Missionary Project (NEMP)
Parish Evangelizing Cells System (PECS)
Soles for Faith Catholic Running Team (SFF)

Discovering Christ Training Conference with ChristLife founder, Dave Nodar and ministry staff, 100 attendees
from 40 parishes, April 24 & 25, 2012

Numerous parishes offering the Discovering Christ Program – integral involvement and training sessions with
many parishes for team formation and operation of program.
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 Door to Door Evangelization NEMP Training – February – April
2010 training sessions, Archdiocesan Center

Parish Evangelizing Cell System (PECS) – Twelve people from the Archdiocese of Newark traveled to Pembroke
Pines, FL for weekend training, 2009.
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Bishop da Cunha crossing the finish
line at the Soles for Faith 5K Run
October 2010

Regular involvement in area 5K races which promote or support Catholic values. Team membership: 90.

Theology on Track Lunch Gatherings – post 5K gatherings with Bishop da Cunha over lunch – April 2011,
December 2012, March 2013.
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New Media/Communications Committee:

Evangelization website with event and program information and also links to numerous faith building resources
www.rcan.org/evangelization (New 2015)

Office for Evangelization official e-newsletter

Facebook page www.facebook.com/OfficeforEvangelization

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EvangiRCAN

YouTube: www.youtube.com/EvangiRCAN
Parish Partnership Committee:

Pastoral parish profile data base creation and coordination to better enable Archdiocesan ministries in their service
to parishes.

Individual consultations with parishes

Researching and compiling information on all times of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes throughout the
Archdiocese. This information was printed in booklets and posted on Office for Evangelization website.

Promotion of The Light Is On For You - Archdiocesan wide ongoing opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
School of Evangelization Committee:

Make Good Parishes Vibrant Communities
with Sr. Louise Alff, OSF, June 2008

Evangelizing the Workplace with Julie V.
Burkey, MAPM, April 2009

Evangelization at Work with Julie V. Burkey,
Ph.D., April 2012

Keys to Reaching Inactive Catholics with John
and Therese Boucher, June 2013
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Youth/Young Adult New Evangelization Partnership Committee (Y-NEP) (2013):

World Youth Day involvement: Pre-World Youth Day Rally, including video catechesis by Bishop da Cunha - June
2013

Promotional video of invitation by Bishop da Cunha

Participation in Young Adult Council and activities

Collaboration with Hispanic gatherings (Pastoral Juvenil Hispana)

Latte with the Lord – Eucharistic Adoration, spiritual talk and fellowship (café style)
Latte with the Lord, St. Cecilia, Kearny
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Annual Men’s Conference and Women’s Day of Reflection:
The Office for Evangelization staff assists at the annual Men’s Conference and is integrally involved in organizing,
promoting and running the annual Women’s Commission Day of Reflection.
Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha,
How do we thank Bishop da Cunha, for pouring himself
out to lead the Office for Evangelization forward in the
advancement of evangelization efforts throughout the
Archdiocese of Newark? Surely he has placed the OFE
on a sure footing. May his generosity and care for
others continue and increase in his constant service to
our Lord and His Church. It is with gratitude to God and
thanks to Bishop da Cunha that we echo these beautiful
words from Scripture:
S.D.V.
“The LORD bless you and keep you:
The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
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THANK YOU BISHOP DA CUNHA
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Over 60 people attended a Bible Study Training Session at the Archdiocesan Center on Saturday, January
25, 2014, run by Shannon Civetta, Parish Support Coordinator on behalf of Ascension Press. They were
also able to meet Sarah Christmyer, co-developer with Jeff Cavins of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible
study program. Sarah serves as Executive Editor of The Great Adventure and is author or co-author of a
number of the studies. Sarah greeted the participants of this training session and shared some insights
into bible study parish dynamics.
The goal of this four hour training session was to provide assistance with:

introducing a Bible study to the parish/pastor

increasing study attendance

making small groups more inviting and cohesive

re-energizing a current study

discussion group facilitator roles and expectations
With Sarah Christmyer, Executive Director and codeveloper of the Great Adventure Bible Timeline Series
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Almost 3,000 men gathered at Seton Hall University on Saturday, March 15, 2014 for the sixth
annual Catholic Men’s Conference of the Archdiocese of Newark. Both the English and Spanish
tracks were filled with men excited to experience God’s presence in a new and meaningful way.
The day has been described as a “robust spiritual workout”. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York
was the keynote speaker and he as well as other deeply spiritual and inspiring speakers
elaborated on the theme for the day, Be Not Afraid. Cardinal Dolan created an enlightening
verbal montage of the ways in which the pontificate of the last three popes, St. John Paul II, Pope
Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis reveal to all how to live a life of faith with courage and
hope, each addressing in his own unique way the soul, the mind and the body.
A powerfully moving Holy Hour and Holy Mass with Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard Hebda and
Bishop da Cunha and many priests and deacons brought all the attendees together at the
culmination of a wonderful day.
Save the Date for the 2015 Catholic Men’s Conference!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Seton Hall University
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Saturday, April 26, 2014 proved to be a very good day! 1,200 women from around the
Archdiocese of Newark converged on Seton Hall University to attend the Annual Women’s
Commission Day of Reflection. The theme was Be Not Afraid: REJOICE IN GOD’S MERCY.
Both the English and Spanish track speakers inspired all to hold fast to the truths of our faith and
ask God to help us be agents of His ever present healing and mercy in a society gone astray. The
numerous speakers at the event delivered talks which touched on many aspects of God’s mercy.
The English track keynote address by Professor Helen Alvaré entitled “Marriage, Family and
Christian Hope” was followed by Cheryl Riley’s personal story “From Grief to Grace: A Woman’s
Post Abortion Healing Journey”. The youthful fervor of Diana Hernandez of the movement Bonds
of Marian Love was truly inspirational and Sr. Maris Stella, S.V. of the Sisters of Life moved all to a
greater love and faith in our Lord.
The mercy of God, the love of God and the joy of knowing God permeated the Spanish track
speakers’ talks. Lilliam Arauz spoke of God the Father’s mercy in all situations in life; Sidelis
Rosario told the women that we are not to be afraid but to trust that God is always with us, and
Diana Hernandez expressed her joy in being a Christian, sharing how God delivered her from the
world’s darkness to His glorious light.
The Holy Hour was graced with the Divine Mercy Chaplet in song, and Holy Mass with main
celebrant Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop da Cunha who brought great joy and a
peaceful conclusion to an inspiring event.
Many commented that this was the best Women’s Day in the 20 plus years of this event!
Save the date for 2015 and spread the word!
Women’s Commission Day of Reflection
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Seton Hall University
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SOLES FOR FAITH CATHOLIC RUNNING TEAM NEWS
The Soles for Faith Catholic Running Team participated in the St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy 4 th Annual Family
5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 22, 2014. The team was excited that the Soles for Faith Logo was on the race
shirts.
St. Bartholomew 4th Annual Family 5K Run/Walk, Scotch Plains, NJ - March 22, 2014.
Hoboken Catholic Academy (HCA) held it’s 5th Annual 5K/Run/Walk & Kid’s Run on Saturday, May 31,
2014 along the banks of the Hudson River. The Soles for Faith Catholic Running Team had a good showing
at this event.
The youngest member of SFF
Running Team at the Hoboken Race.
Threats of a thunder storm did
not keep members of the Soles
for Faith team from joining over
2,500 runners at the 13th
Annual Downtown Westfield
5K & Pizza Extravaganza on
Wednesday, July 23, 2014.
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Ten to twelve thousand people from all parts of the country came to Washington
D.C. on Thursday, June 19, 2014 to show their support for marriage. The Office
for Evangelization and others from the Archdiocese joined Rev. James Starasinich,
Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst, who agreed to host a bus to this
important event. Among the many enthusiastic and inspiring speakers were
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Chairman, United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, Mike
Hukabee, Rick Santorum, and Rev. Ruben Diaz. Let us all pray that Americans will
continue to stand for marriage as it has been traditionally and historically defined
and handed down through the centuries.
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone
Want to learn more about God’s plan for marriage?
Visit: www.marriageuniqueforareason.org
www.nationformarriage.org
Read What Is Marriage? by Sherif Girgis, Robert George
and Ryan T. Anderson, Harvard Journal of Law and Public
Policy, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 245-287, Winter 2010. http://
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155
Read Marriage: Love and life in the Divine Plan, U.S. BishArchdiocese of Newark attendees at the
March for Marriage
ops Pastoral Letter on Marriage. Visit www.usccb.org to
read the text and much more.
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The National Catholic Bible Conference theme
for 2014 was Scripture: The Heart of the Father.
On June 27 & 28, 2014, more than 1,000 excited
attendees gathered at the National Shrine of Our
Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA, to worship,
pray and learn. The list of nationally known Bible
scholars included: Dr. Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins,
Dr. Tim Gray, Dr. Edward Sri, and Thomas Smith.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput celebrated Holy Mass
on Saturday. Numerous workshops and talks inspired
and educated the attendees. Mark Hart, Director of
Life Teen, gave the Friday keynote address:
Wait ‘til Father Gets Home: Communicating God’s
Love to a Faithless Generation. Dr. Scott Hahn,
Saturday keynote speaker, shared his wisdom on
Evangelizing Catholics: Bringing Prodigals Back
Home to the Father. Danielle Bean spoke of her
new offering, Momnipotent: Finding Peace, Balance, & Joy in your Vocation as a Mother faith
sharing program. The Conference was sponsored
by Ascension Press, The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and The Augustine Institute.
The 2014 Theology Of The Body Congress, held July 9-11 at the
Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia, was once again the most expansive assembly of experts and enthusiasts in the history of this
extraordinary teaching! There were 700 people in attendance at this
year’s congress which also included a Spanish track.
Most Reverend Jean Laffitte,
Vatican’s Secretary of the
Pontifical Council for the Family
Some of the Spanish Track participants
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The 'Theology of the Body' is Saint John Paul II's
integrated vision of the human person - body, soul,
and spirit. As he explains, the physical human body
has a specific meaning and is capable of revealing
answers regarding fundamental questions about us
and our lives:
 Is there a real purpose to life and if so, what is it?
 Why were we created male and female? Does it really matter if we are one sex or another?
 Why were man and woman called to communion from the beginning? What does the marital union of a man
and woman say to us about God and his plan for our lives?
 What is the purpose of the married and celibate vocations?
 What exactly is "Love"?
 Is it truly possible to be pure of heart?
All of these questions and many more are answered in Pope John Paul II's 129 Wednesday audiences, which were
given between the years 1979 and 1984. His reflections are based on Scripture (especially the Gospels, St. Paul
and the Book of Genesis), and contain a vision of the human person truly worthy of man. John Paul II discusses
who man was in the beginning, who he is now (after original sin), and who he will be in the age to come. He then
applies this message to the vocations of marriage and celibacy, in preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Some of the participants of the Introduction to the Theology of the Body
Summer Offering at the Archdiocesan Center July-August 2014
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Upcoming Events:
Sunday, September 7, 2014, 3:00 pm. 'Mass of Farewell' for Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha,
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street, Newark, N.J.
Te Deum Ministries presents An Evening of Faith, Hope and Love: A Musical Multimedia Experience
featuring Matt Maher, September 19, 2014, 8:00 p.m. The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood
Township, NJ 08701. Tickets: 201-261-3372. www.arrayofhope.net
Sharing the Faith That You Love - Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Archdiocesan Center, Newark, NJ. . www.rcan.org/evangelization
Keys to Dynamic Discipleship – Thursday, September 25, 2014, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Archdiocesan Center,
Newark, NJ. www.rcan.org/evangelization
Freedom to Love – Theology of the Body for Young Adults, St. Cecilia Church, Kearny, NJ – Monday evenings beginning September 29 (excluding 10/13/2014) to November 24, 2014. Contact Liliana SotoCabrera at 973-497-4353 or [email protected]
Start the Conversation: How to Make Intentional Disciples the Norm in Your Parish, Archdiocesan Center, Newark, NJ. Six selected Thursdays, October 2 – November 20, 2014, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.,
www.rcan.org/evangelization
The 2014 Critical Life Issues Conference, Saturday, October 18, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Piscataway, NJ. www.diometuchen.org
Nourishing Your Faith Dinner – Keynote Speaker: Judge Andrew Napolitano, Wednesday, November
19, 2014. Call Lynn Gully at 973-497-4589
Women’s Commission Day of Reflection, Saturday, March 7, 2015, Seton Hall University, So. Orange,
NJ. www.rcan.org/womcom
Catholic Men’s Conference, Saturday, March 14, 2015, Seton Hall University, So. Orange, NJ.
www.rcanmenscommission.org
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Archdiocese of Newark
Office For Evangelization
171 Clifton Avenue
PO Box 9500
Newark, NJ 07104-0500
Phone: 973-497-4137
973-497-4353
Fax: 973-497- 4317
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.rcan.org/evangelization
Liliana Soto-Cabrera
Coordinator for Evangelization
Maureen Srinivasa
Ministry Assistant
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/officeforevangelization
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/EvangiRCAN
Watch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/EvangiRCAN
MISSION STATEMENT
The Office for Evangelization serves as a resource for
programs, courses, workshops, and consultations intended to
complement and enhance the evangelizing efforts in the
Archdiocese of Newark.