The Disciples of Christ of St. Joseph Parish in West Milford has been studying the Gospels and evangelization methods together in a classroom setting. The group of 11 Catholics finally went out into the streets to evangelize on Aug. 10.
The Disciples of Christ set up what was known as a welcoming table. Members greeted people as they passed by their table at a local market. Their mission was to proclaim Jesus’ words in the Gospel, open the doors, and lead as many people as possible to the Catholic faith, in which Christ is present in the Eucharist.
Some Catholics approached the table, happy to see the group but surprised to see a Catholic group evangelizing, participants said.
The table contained rosary beads, Catholic books, pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the prayer, and a pen and paper, so people could write down prayer intentions. Father Jakub Grzybowski, St. Joseph’s administrator, later offered those intentions at Mass.
The Disciples of Christ members spoke to many people. One woman recently moved into town and was searching for a Catholic parish, where her children could be baptized and confirmed.
“It was a spiritually motivating day for us all. All we had to do was show up, and God did the rest,” said Ron Bakalian, founder and leader of the group. The Disciples of Christ has been granted permission to evangelize in front of three other West Milford stores. “We will continue to represent St. Joseph’s and evangelize our Catholic faith.”
