On Thursday, May 1, more than 100 parish leaders, catechists, and volunteers from across the Diocese of Toledo gathered for the annual Evangelization Training Day, this year held under the theme “On Mission: An Introduction to Relational Evangelization.”
Led by Andrew McGown, Executive Director of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries for the Archdiocese of Denver, the training focused on how to share the Catholic faith over time, within the context of genuine relationships. In a culture where many no longer have a personal connection to Jesus Christ—even if they’re engaged in parish life—the need for intentional accompaniment is more urgent than ever.
This day of equipping built on last year’s focus with Saint Paul Street Evangelization and invited participants to ask: How do we recognize where someone is in their spiritual journey? How do we walk with them toward an initial conversion and deeper discipleship?
Through teaching, discussion, and practical examples, attendees gained the tools to evangelize more effectively in their ministries, families, and friendships. The emphasis was not only on what to do, but on how to be present, build trust, and witness to the faith in everyday encounters.
The Evangelization Training Day is one expression of the broader work of the Ministry for Healthy Parishes, a diocesan initiative that strives to support parishes in achieving missionary vitality. Rooted in Pillar 1 of the Diocesan Strategic Plan—Health of Clergy and Health of Parishes—this ministry encompasses Diocesan Intentional Planning, Evangelization, Parish Strategic Planning, and In-Person Lay Ministry Formation.
The Ministry for Healthy Parishes is made possible through the generous support of the Living Christ campaign, which helps provide the resources needed to equip parish leaders and foster vibrant, mission-focused communities.
Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. One attendee shared, “Today’s conference was excellent. The speaker was so relatable and gave us great hope that we could evangelize in our own lives, keeping it simple and giving us good ideas/examples.” Another said, “This was an excellent conference. One of the best diocesan ones I have attended in recent memory.”
As the day concluded, participants left renewed and ready to evangelize in the context of real relationships—living out the Church’s call to missionary discipleship in their everyday lives.
Posted May 12, 2025 at 1:59 pm