In Attendance: John Mitchell, Reno Sartori, Joe Osteen, Ginger Osteen, Paulette Domingo, Becky Estep, Stephanie Beeken, Linore Dudik-Jones, Laura Hack
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm and the opening prayer included "Open My Eyes
Lord".
2. John Mitchell recapped December's meeting and reemphasized that although it may be a slow process, we need to thoroughly understand the meaning and goals of evangelization before we develop goals as an Evangelization Committee. John expressed the importance of each of us having read Go and Make Disciples, 2002.
3. On recommendation from Kabby Akers, Paulette Domingo has joined our committee. Paula
joined the Catholic faith a little over two years ago and considers the Evangelization Committee
as one more step in her Christian journey. Welcome, Paula!
4. Linore Dudik-Jones shared her story of deep faith and Christ's presence with the group.
Linore's background began within the Byzantine Rite. Following her First Communion, she has
experienced a call towards communion/Communion throughout her life and to the present.
She shared her many ecumenical influences and familial relationships with us, and she
considers Mary Queen her home. Linore shared family photos, trinkets, and objects of interest
with us, further showing her deep ties within her Carpatho-Rusyn heritage.
5. Following Linore's presentation we had some small-group study in regard to Go and Make
Disciples, although we were still processing Linore's story. We agreed that we need to
remember that those interested in joining the faith, as well as those who left the faith and are
thinking about returning, have many family ties that can make the discernment process and
journey difficult. With spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends, practicing a different faith, it
can be difficult to take action towards becoming or coming back to the Catholic Church. As an
Evangelization Committee we need to remember that others are impacted within the lives of
those who pursue a deeper commitment within the Catholic faith. Linore's story was also a
reminder of the different perceptions that people outside of the Church may believe--some true,
some false.
6. We agreed that we need more time to discuss Go and Make Disciples and will pursue more
discussion the next meeting. We also agreed that having a witness share, 10-15 minutes each
week, about their return to the Catholic Church or their conversion story was very valuable in
helping us understand the scope of 'being' an evangelizer.
7. We prayed the Nicene Creed and adjourned our meeting. The next meeting with be Thursday, February 16th, 7pm, in the Conference Room of the ELC Building, room 104--the last room at the end of the hallway of the Ministry Offices. Participants should have read Go and Make Disciples and be prepared to discuss.