PART II:
The Paladin Vision

The New Evangelization

The Church’s Call

Modernism, with its false promises and distorted truths, has deeply wounded the faith of many in our times, and yet these prodigal children are being called back. Countless souls are turning back to God and His church amid their disillusionment with modern life and the emptiness it has produced. They once again search for meaning—for the deeper things of life. And they are rediscovering that the Catholic Church offers the fullness of truth and joy that they long for. The New Evangelization is finally gaining momentum.

Just as Israel often forgot God’s blessings, so our modern world has lost sight of Him. Yet God remains faithful—and He is calling us back.

When we read about the many failures of the Chosen People in the Old Testament, we often marvel at how ungrateful they were for God’s blessings and how short their memories were about the consequences of turning away from Him. We should not be surprised, because this history repeats itself even in our own time. However, there is a silver lining in all of this! The pendulum has swung nearly as far from God as it can, and we have come to understand the self-destructive nature of each person choosing their own truth and morality. Even many atheists now see this. There is a great and glorious return to God. And God calls you and me to be part of it!

St. John Paul II called for a New Evangelization, with Pope Benedict XVI and many others echoing his words. John Paul and these leaders envisioned innovative evangelization methods designed to communicate the timeless truths of Christ to today’s society—to once again reveal the abundant life found in Him. The New Evangelization aims to reignite faith among the baptized, reach out to those who have drifted from the Church, and invite everyone into a personal encounter with Christ.

The New Evangelization is not confined to large-scale programs, diocesan initiatives, or official Church communications. It thrives most profoundly at the grassroots level: within families, small church communities, prayer groups, and neighborhoods. It transforms not only parish life but also individual lives, calling every Catholic to live the Gospel authentically in everyday life.

You Are on the Front Lines

You live in a battleground. The biggest battles for souls aren’t fought overseas—they happen in our homes, parishes, and neighborhoods. The most critical frontline is in our own homes—our families. The second most vital front line involves our extended family, friends, and parish community. God has placed you exactly where you are to make a difference. Christ is calling each of us to do our part. Christ and those around us are counting on us. Whether single or married, we all share the same mission to reach out and help others on the Journey to God. Mature disciples of Christ will have spiritual children to nurture, regardless of whether they have their own children. We are all called to reach out to those around us with the Gospel—with the generous love of Christ. We must support those around us on the Journey to God and accept support from others.

These spiritual battles happening all around us are more important than anything else. These conflicts not only determine the eternal destiny of millions but also significantly impact the prosperity and basic well-being of all these people now. The spiritual battles impact both their eternal life with God and their precious lives on Earth.

You are on the front lines. The most important work you do in this life will be done here. We need each other on this Journey to God. Your family, friends, and parish need you. You can make a difference. God truly calls you to make a difference.

The Domestic Church

In our own time, in a world often alien and even hostile to faith, believing families are of primary importance as centers of living, radiant faith. For this reason the Second Vatican Council, using an ancient expression, calls the family the domestic church. It is in the bosom of the family that parents are ‘by word and example… the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children. They should encourage them in the vocation which is proper to each child…’ (CCC 1656)

Let’s look more closely at how the domestic church becomes the seedbed of evangelization—starting with parents.

Parents as First Evangelists

We are the first to evangelize our children. They receive their initial formation from us. It’s not the Church’s responsibility; it’s the parents’ responsibility. Catechism classes supplement parental formation. Many children attend these classes only to prepare for the sacraments; this is again supplemental preparation. Parents should prepare their children for the Christian life, for a world that perceives things very differently, for their encounter with that world, and for winning that contrary world over for Jesus.

Of course, this formation primarily involves instilling a Christ-like love for God and others. The joy of a loving Catholic home truly radiates the Gospel more powerfully than any argument. Parents nurture their children by praying daily as a family, sharing their faith stories, and modeling forgiveness. The joyful faith of their parents firmly instills in them the truth that growing in holiness is equivalent to growing in peace, joy, and love.

Not only must faithful Catholics form their children to be living, growing disciples, but they also need to help them discern their own vocation. We should assist them in exploring different vocations and preparing for the one they feel called to pursue. It’s important to emphasize that every vocation is essential and requires a wholehearted yes to Christ, along with ongoing growth and formation. We are their vocational counselors.

Marriage as a Vocation

We must treat the vocation of marriage seriously. Our primary responsibility in life is to nurture and support our spouse and children in their faith, not to entertain ourselves, climb the corporate ladder, or amass wealth.

Helping each other grow on the Journey to God is more important than anything else. Progressing on this journey deepens our relationship with God, thereby blessing all parts of our lives and our eternal life to come. And, of course, our deepening love for God results in a more profound love for everyone else. Additionally, being nurtured in a faithful Catholic family will prepare children for their future relationships and possible marriage.

When some priests discuss vocations, they focus solely on the priesthood. They certainly acknowledge that other vocations exist; however, many priests seldom talk about them, pray for them, or promote ongoing formation related to them. Every vocation—especially marriage—must be taken seriously. We should not view marriage as so common that it requires nothing, but as such an important calling that everything else depends on it! The priesthood is essential—yet so is the vocation of marriage, the foundation from which priests and saints emerge.

But our witness doesn’t end within our own homes; the love we cultivate there must overflow into the world.

Extending the Family of Faith

The domestic church extends its outreach to family and friends beyond the home, in keeping with the true Christian tradition. Members of the domestic church build numerous connections within the parish and the wider community. In every connection or outside activity, each family member should consciously act as an ambassador for Christ and His church—and also for their domestic church, their family. Members of the domestic church are prepared to act for Christ, from praying before meals or wearing a crucifix to gently guiding others toward what is good and true; from sharing their love for Christ to inviting folks to their SCC or other church group.

A Paladin SCC can play an essential role in the marriage outreach. Married couples can support SCCs; a couple might even found an SCC. They could even establish it with their adult child. In turn, the Paladin SCC will support couples in their marriage vocation. Here on the front lines, every work of the Spirit supports all other works of the Spirit.

Small Church Communities

The Paladin SCC is a powerful and natural instrument of the New Evangelization. All the SCC benefits we’ve discussed naturally support the New Evangelization. And, as we’ve noted before, a healthy SCC is synonymous with an evangelical SCC. Let’s examine the New Evangelization in action within the SCC more closely.

Authentic Relationships

Our SCCs excel at building relationships with both God and fellow believers, which lies at the heart of the Gospel. They provide intimacy, accountability, and support that large-scale programs can’t match. Members share personal struggles, insights from Scripture, and experiences of God’s grace. All of this fosters the deep fellowship and spiritual growth essential for every disciple of Jesus. Within the SCC, faith becomes more than just an abstract belief—it is actively lived out, touching and transforming hearts. The SCC ignites the fire of the Holy Spirit within us, turning us into contagious fire starters of the New Evangelization.

Faithful Formation

Paladin SCCs provide faithful materials and engaging discussions to deepen members’ understanding and lived experience of the Gospel. It is the truth of Christ that sets us free, and Paladin SCCs effectively communicate that truth through discussions and fellowship: authentic relationships and open sharing foster learning at an increasingly profound level. We rarely encounter such depth in a typical class, and we seldom apply the Gospel to our lives as effectively when reading the material alone. Members learn to implement Gospel principles in all areas of life, creating a microcosm of Christ-centered living that radiates into the broader parish and society.

Practical Examples

Paladin SCCs provide members with practical examples of how to evangelize. Beyond just gaining knowledge and enthusiasm, members learn effective ways to share their faith through the sharing of others and their own experiences in the group. Every meaningful discussion about what Christ has done in someone’s life encourages us in our own journey and enhances our ability to share our faith with others. These examples and experiences also help build members’ confidence as evangelists. Paladin SCCs empower members to share their faith with family and friends and to invite them to an SCC to deepen their faith.

Lay Leadership and Initiative

Lay leaders often initiate SCC formation as a grassroots effort for the New Evangelization. They evangelize their members and support them in sharing the Gospel with friends and family (as mentioned above). These leaders recognize their shared responsibility to evangelize and understand that grassroots efforts are the most effective way to spread the Gospel. Leadership in the New Evangelization is not about status but service—helping others to encounter Christ more deeply. Paladin SCCs offer a valuable opportunity for lay leaders to act on their own initiative while also having the support and materials needed to be faithful and successful in their apostolate. But leadership isn’t an end in itself—it’s meant to multiply faith.

Growth & Multiplication

The Paladin SCC’s evangelical spirit is boundless in its outreach. It consistently aims to attract new members, including family, friends, parishioners, and community members. As it expands, a new group branches off, and both groups continue inviting more people. Naturally, members continue reaching out to others, whether or not they join the community. At first, members might see the New Evangelization as just part of their SCC experience; however, over time, it will influence all aspects of their lives. Indeed, every healthy SCC becomes a seedbed for new evangelists.

Living the Mission

“That all sounds good, but how will it eventually influence all areas of my life? I’m no street preacher! Just where is all this headed?” you might rightly ask.

Personally, I have known very few Catholic street preachers, and I believe that only a small number are truly called to such an apostolate. Evangelism is a gift, a charism from the Holy Spirit, and because of that, some possess it abundantly while others only have a little.

On the other hand, everyone is called to be an evangelist! The Holy Spirit reaches out to others through us.

As we affirmed earlier, evangelization is not primarily about proselytizing, apologetics, or other persuasive methods. Evangelization is simply sharing who Jesus is and what He has done in our lives. This is something we can all do; it is something we are all called to do.

You may still insist that you don’t feel capable—that you simply don’t want to do it! If you are a living, growing disciple, you will feel called to evangelize in some way. If you are not yet a living, growing disciple, you should focus on becoming one first. You need to ignite the fire within before you can ignite it in others.

If you are married, your spouse and children are your primary vocation. You must form your family into a domestic church. Then, reach out to other relatives and friends. If you notice some progress, consider inviting them to your SCC. That invitation could be your most impactful way to evangelize. The SCC can also provide a safe space for you to share your faith more deeply.

SCCs can serve as a powerful resource for the whole parish. Those who are new to the faith or returning to it will find fellowship and support within an SCC. They will discover depth and meaning. As part of your SCC, they won’t get lost in the crowd; they won’t wander out of the Church as they wandered in. Even those in RCIA need follow-up—indeed, we all do. Your SCC provides that. And you will evangelize them within your SCC—even those you didn’t invite.

You may never preach on the streets, but you should share with family, friends, and everyone in your SCC. You need to reach out and expand your network. Live your life so faithfully that your very presence becomes an expression of the New Evangelization. 

God calls every one of us to be His witnesses, not through grand gestures but through authentic relationships, daily fidelity, and Spirit-filled outreach. In SCCs, we discover both the support we need and the mission we are called to embrace: to make Christ known and loved, starting right where we are.

The New Evangelization is not just a program but a lived reality in our daily lives, our families, and our small church communities.

To The Journey →

– TOP –

Questions to Contemplate

1. The Church’s Call and the Signs of Our Times – What are some ways modern society has “lost sight of God”? How does the New Evangelization address this crisis of faith and meaning in today’s world? Where do you see signs of this “great and glorious return to God” happening around you today?
2. You Are on the Front Lines – According to this chapter, where are the most critical front lines of the spiritual battle for souls? Why is evangelization within our homes and communities so essential to the Church’s mission? In what ways do you feel God calls regular Catholics to make an impact on these front lines?
3. The Domestic Church and Family Evangelization – Why does the Catechism describe the family as the “domestic church”? What responsibilities do parents have as “first evangelists” of their children, and how does this shape the future of the Church? How have you seen (or could you imagine seeing) faith lived out powerfully within a family setting?
4. SCCs as Instruments of the New Evangelization – What makes an SCC such an effective tool for evangelization? How do genuine relationships and faithful formation within SCCs help members develop as living, growing disciples? What experiences have you had (or hope to have) of spiritual growth and fellowship in an SCC?
5. Living the Mission in Everyday Life – Why does this chapter emphasize that evangelization isn’t limited to street preaching or formal programs? How can everyday faithfulness, relationships, and personal witness serve as forms of evangelization? How do you feel called to live the New Evangelization in your daily life—at home, in your parish, or in your community?