Pastoral Staff Day 2023

Mission

The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Institute for Evangelization is a new model for engagement with parishes seeking to realize their evangelizing mission more fully.

The Institute is composed of four offices that collaborate closely to ensure that support is never “one-size fits all” but can adapt to the changing needs of each parish community.

We strive to accompany parish leaders so that they can “enliven the evangelizing work of the local Church” (LBV, 2.0, 30).

Our Offices

EMMAUS TEAMS FOR
PARISH RENEWAL

The first step for your parish is to find your “Emmaus Team” through the Office of Parish Renewal. These two-person teams from the Institute provide individualized support to pastors and parish leaders through facilitated discussions, training, and formation.

Office of
PARISH RENEWAL
Office of
FAMILY, YOUTH, AND
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Office of
DIVINE
WORSHIP
Office of
LIFE, JUSTICE,
AND PEACE
WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
February 2021
Creation of the Institute for Evangelization
As described out in A Light Brightly Visible 2.0, Archbishop Lori creates the Institute for Evangelization that will work closely with pastors and their leadership teams to support their work of bringing about the missionary conversion of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.  Learn More
WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
January 2021
A Light Brightly Visible 2.0
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, increased political polarization and the tragedy of George Floyd’s murder, Archbishop Lori offers a renewed call for the missionary transformation of parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Read More
WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
January 2019
The Journey to Racial Justice: Repentance, Healing and Action
Archbishop Lori offers a follow-up to “The Enduring Power of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Principles of Nonviolence” where he continues to confront the Church’s history of racism and the need for ongoing conversion. Learn More
WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
October 2018
Missionary Discipleship in Crisis
In the wake of the revelations of abuse by Theodore McCarrick during the summer of 2018 and following listening sessions conducted around the Archdiocese, Archbishop Lori apologizes to the faithful on behalf of the Archdiocese and offers hope and encouragement for the future of the local Church. Read More
WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
February 2018
The Enduring Power of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Principles of Nonviolence
Archbishop Lori reflects on the Martin Luther King Jr.’s principles of nonviolence in light of the tragic events in Baltimore City and a history of racism. Read More
WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
September 2017
Parish Planning Begins
A group of 9 pilot pastorates began the evangelization-based planning process. Because each pastorate is unique, once activated, the Pilot Pastorates engaged in pastorate planning at their own pace. Learn More
WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
July 2015
A Light Brightly Visible
Archbishop Lori writes his first pastoral letter “A Light Brightly Visible” on the evangelization-based parish planning and the missionary conversion of parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Read More
February 2021 Creation of the Institute for Evangelization
January 2021 A Light Brightly Visible 2.0
January 2019 The Journey to Racial Justice: Repentance, Healing and Action
October 2018 Missionary Discipleship in Crisis
February 2018 The Enduring Power of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Principles of Nonviolence
September 2017 Parish Planning Begins
July 2015 A Light Brightly Visible

Resources
Discover resources to grow, learn, and support your parish community.

QUESTIONS ABOUT
SACRAMENTAL POLICIES?

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Institute for Evangelization?

The Institute for Evangelization was created by Archbishop Lori in February 2021 and given its charge from A Light Brightly Visible 2.0. The Institute exists to support parishes and pastorates in their local evangelizing mission. It provides parish leaders with practical tools to clarify their vision, unify their parish, and mobilize for mission.

What is new about this approach?

The Institute is built on the idea of subsidiarity, which means that efforts should be carried out at the lowest level possible so that the parishes are empowered to make decisions on issues that affect them at the local level. Evangelization is done through relationships, so the Institute supports and equips parishes in their local evangelizing efforts and offers programs and ministries that require an archdiocesan response.

Have other dioceses and archdioceses created Institutes?

In recent years, many dioceses and archdioceses around the United States have recognized the growing need to support “New Evangelization” efforts. Some have created institutes, but few have created institutes that support parishes in the same manner that the Office for Parish Renewal and the “Emmaus Teams” supports parishes.

What are Emmaus Teams?

The Office of Parish Renewal has three teams, each with two Parish Renewal Specialists. Each team of two is called an Emmaus Team, which is rooted in the story of accompaniment on the road to Emmaus and Jesus’ exhortation to go two-by-two. These Specialists are well versed in the latest evangelization resources as well as organizational health tools. Every parish or pastorate will have an Emmaus Team.

What is the “New Evangelization”?

The new Evangelization speaks to the urgent need to proclaim the Gospel using new “ardor, methods, and expression.” In 1975, Saint Paul VI issued Evangelii Nuntandi, which is about evangelization in the modern world. From St. John Paul II to Pope Francis there has been a consistent exhortation to proclaim the Gospel using new “ardor, methods, and expression.”

Is Pastoral Planning still happening?

Yes. The Emmaus Teams will be able to support parishes and pastorates in their planning efforts. While the phased process for planning will look different each pastorate is expected to undergo planning and Emmaus Teams will be able to support pastorates in preparation for planning, during planning, and during the implementation process. These teams will ensure a seamless process of Archdiocesan support.

NEWS

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