March, 2025

Share in Our Work of Evangelization

Fr. John Schmidt, C.Ss.R.

Dear Co-Redemptorist,

In January I was invited to give a retreat to the Redemptorist seminarians living in the Bronx. It was a good time to get to know each of them and hear their vocation stories including what excites them about joining the Redemptorists. I shared a reflection that included a goal for missionary work of ‘developing communities that will walk worthily in the vocation they are called to’—because the baptized are members of Christ and sharers in the work of evangelization. The idea that we help build up people’s Christian identity as a goal of evangelization is important. St. Clement Hofbauer worked toward this. We celebrate his feast this month and he has left us a great example of creativity and flexibility which is needed in preaching the gospel.

Saint Clement evangelized people regardless of their social status. He formed small groups to pray and learn about the faith. He was interested in helping youth and young adults deepen their faith. He was convinced that a liturgy celebrated with dignity and beauty reveals Christ.

Redemptorists identify youth and young adults as a focus for evangelization. Many of my parishioners talk about their children, now young adults, who do not come to church or who say they don’t believe. They are worried and wonder what they can do. St. Clement can offer us a way. He invited people to come and see something beautiful about Jesus. Evangelization happens in simple conversations on what we believe about Jesus, and how our faith shapes our daily lives. Listening to people is how we get to know them. We help build up the faith God gives us through our Christian witness.

St. Clement dedicated his life to evangelization, and experienced many challenges in ministry. He knew that the Holy Spirit would bring great things to birth and open people to the message of Jesus.

Thank you for being part of the Redemptorist family; your financial gifts and prayers help our seminarians discover Jesus. During Lent, pray that our seminarians will follow the spirit of Saint Clement and become preachers of the Good News for a new generation of young people.

In Christ, the Redeemer,

Father John K. Schmidt, C.Ss.R.
Director, Co-Redemptorist Association

P.S.: Have you considered including the Redemptorists in your estate plans? Through your stewardship, you share in our many Redemptorists ministries. Will you join us on this final journey of Faith? Fr. Joseph Dorcey, C.Ss.R., Office of Financial Services, is available to discuss a special legacy gift that can continue the Redemptorists’ work beyond your lifetime. Send him an email, or call at 312-248-8894.