Missions and evangelisation — Communauté de l'Emmanuel

Missions and evangelisation

« The spirit of the Lord is upon me, 
because the Lord has anointed me : 
he has sent me to preach the good news to the poor, 
to heal the broken-hearted, 
and to preach a release to the captives, 
and deliverance to them that are shut up. » 

Isaiah - Chapter 61

The first of the Emmanuel prayer groups quickly took part in evangelisation. A number of them decided to do regular « street evangelisation ». Parishes and schools decided to invite Emmanuel community members for a mission over several days.

Street Evangelisation

Several Christians

In a public space (street, railway station, mall ...)

Sing, pray, read the word of God, give witness
Meet the people who want to stop for a few minutes to talk
Give a flyer, or a small sign (e.g. an image) or contact information for more discussion

The diverse expressions of street evangelisation, within different cultures, communities and means are a bold and strong testimony of the believer’s faith. Is it not what Jesus and his apostles did ?

With humility, simplicity and respect for passers-by, the Gospel is preached to all. Within the group that desires to give testimony in this way, each person can freely take his place: one person may pray, another may listen, and still another may sing or preach the Word of God.

Evangelisation that is experienced in this way is a challenge for the Community. Street evangelisation teaches the importance of mission, shows human distress and the need to testify daily within one’s surroundings or workplace.

Parish Missions

For over 20 years, the Emmanuel Community has been helping parishes throughout Europe and the world with their missionary events. These missions can last a week-end, a week or more.

Their objective is to renew the dynamics of parish life and to make all parishioners realize the importance of the New Evangelisation to which Pope Jean Paul II invited the whole Church.

Often these missions are carried out with the help of one of the Community’s schools of evangelisation.

The possible activities for parishioners and visiting missionaries are diverse :

Meeting the residents through door to door or in the street
Daily prayer: Eucharist, lauds, vespers, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament...
Events for young people, families, debates, prayers for those who are suffering
Celebration with the local bishop (final mass, evening event, ... )
A time of reconciliation and mercy with the personal proposition of the Sacrament of mercy.
Animations adapted to schools and catechism classes
A time to meet teenagers or young people
Visiting sick people and homes for the aged
A blessing of homes and shops for those who want it
A time of prayer and fellowship with believers of other Christian communities or other religions.

... all of this, depending on the possibilities and desires of the local communities.

If you wish to set up a mission of evangelisation within your parish or neighbourhood, we would invite you to take part in one of the next Congresses for the New Evangelisation or to contact the local Emmanuel community leaders.