Begin with your own conversion, since the Church evangelizes only if she is first evangelized herself. Then live so that the question arises: Evangelii Nuntiandi describes the wordless witness of Christians who radiate faith, charity and hope, and who thereby provoke irresistible questions in those who watch them. Be ready to answer plainly when asked, which means knowing the basic content — the Creed, why you believe it, what the Church actually teaches on the point at issue, and, just as importantly, what you do not know and where to send someone who wants more. Speak to people you already know, one at a time, and listen far more than you argue; an argument won at a dinner table converts no one. Invite concretely rather than in principle: to Mass, to a funeral, to an hour of adoration, to a meal at your table. Accompany rather than recruit, and do not hurry another's conscience — the pace belongs to grace. Pray by name for the people you hope to bring to Christ, and keep the list where you will see it. And support the wider mission with money, with hospitality, and with the vocations that may come out of your own family.

Evangelii Nuntiandi (1975) sets out the priority of witness and the necessity of explicit proclamation; Redemptoris Missio recovers the Church's mission ad gentes; Evangelii Gaudium describes every baptized person as a missionary disciple. Apostolicam Actuositatem grounds the lay apostolate in baptism and confirmation.

Other

The common vocation of the baptized

Ongoing

other