What Is Saint Paul Street Evangelization? w/ Timothy Garrity | EP40
Evangelizing with Boldness
In a recent podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Timothy Garrity, a passionate advocate for Catholic evangelization and pro-life activism. His mission is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and re-evangelize those who have drifted away from the faith. Here, we delve into the key points from our enlightening conversation with Timothy.
The Power of Evangelization
Timothy emphasizes the importance of sharing the good news, or Kerygma, with everyone, regardless of their background or current beliefs. He highlights that many people are open to hearing about Jesus Christ, even if they might not want to engage in a lengthy debate. "Most people don't want to get into a big argument," Timothy notes. "They're willing to listen, and we tell them the good news."
Meeting People Where They Are
At college campuses, Timothy and his team encounter a diverse array of individuals, including agnostics, atheists, Hindus, Muslims, and pagans. Their primary goal is to introduce these individuals to Jesus Christ. "We've done this with a lot of Muslims at Tri-C West," Timothy shares. By planting the seed of the good news, they hope to guide people toward a relationship with Christ.
A Catholic Evangelical Team
Timothy's team operates similarly to Protestant evangelists, but with a Catholic focus. They engage people in conversations, distribute brochures about the Catholic Church, and offer to connect interested individuals with local parishes. "We have a brochure right here. This will tell you all about the Catholic Church," Timothy explains. They aim to bring people to Christ first and, if they're interested, introduce them to the Catholic faith.
Re-evangelizing Fallen-Away Catholics
One of the critical aspects of Timothy's mission is re-evangelizing those who have left the Catholic Church. He encourages fallen-away Catholics to return to the faith by reminding them of the Eucharist's significance. "All you have to do is step inside the box," Timothy says, referring to the sacrament of confession. He believes that many Catholics who have stopped attending Mass can be encouraged to return by understanding the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
The Role of Sacramentals
Timothy and his team distribute various sacramentals, such as crucifixes and miraculous medals, to aid in their evangelization efforts. He shares how wearing a crucifix has opened numerous doors for conversations about faith. "You would not believe how many doors this has opened up for me," Timothy recounts. By wearing a visible sign of their faith, they can engage people in meaningful discussions about Jesus Christ.
Pro-Life Advocacy
In addition to his evangelization efforts, Timothy is a dedicated pro-life advocate. He spends every Tuesday morning in front of Preterm, the largest abortion clinic in Ohio, offering support and resources to women considering abortion. "We have people that we can talk to about the availability of places like Cleveland Pregnancy Center and Health for Her," he explains. His unwavering commitment has led to life-saving interventions and support for women in crisis.
Joining the Mission
Timothy encourages others to get involved with both St. Paul Street Evangelization and pro-life activities. He highlights the accessibility and importance of these missions, stating, "It's as easy as having a talk with your neighbor next door." For those interested in joining St. Paul Street Evangelization, he suggests visiting their website and finding a local team. Pro-life advocates can join him at Preterm or find other opportunities to pray and offer support.
Conclusion
Timothy Garrity's dedication to evangelization and pro-life advocacy is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. His mission serves as a reminder that each of us has a role to play in spreading the gospel and supporting the sanctity of life. As Timothy puts it, "We can't be silent anymore. We are commanded to tell the whole world."
