Deacon Ralph Poyo – New Evangelization Ministries and Our Mission - Nov. 3, 2019

In July 2007, Dcn. Ralph Poyo launched New Evangelization Ministeries (NEM), and set out to begin the work of evangelization. Having a fundamental understanding of evangelization, he began to serve parishes. In his efforts to assist their varied needs and paradigms, it didn’t take long to realize that more knowledge and refined methods were needed. In other words, he had to continue in his ministry, but it was also a time for growing in knowledge and understanding. In the Spring of 2010, Dcn. Ralph set out to articulate what he has learned thus far. It was a challenging document with a difficult message. Who wants to read a document that describes the issues that explain why our current methods don’t work? For those who are brave of heart and sincere in their efforts to bring authentic transformation for the Gospel of Christ, we have provided excerpts for your consideration. This is not an indictment of any person or office. It is, we hope, an honest evaluation of our “normal operations” and the effects of the worlds’ influence on them.

The original work is entitled For Your Consideration and was written as an attempt to serve our priesthood in their effort to lead their flocks. The document re-describes St. Thomas Aquinas’ four reasons why the life of the Holy Spirit does not flow through the hearts of believers. In addition to those reasons; we added three critical issues that are evident in our churches today.

Is it possible for one to receive the Holy Spirit and still not know Him? This is the crux of this discussion. Given that we are Baptizing infants who have neither cognitive knowledge nor memory of this event in later years, the answer to this question is an obvious YES. While pointing out key elements of the breakdown of faith seen by all in parish ministry, we will discuss four causes originally cited by St. Thomas Aquinas for why the Holy Spirit does not flow through the life of a Baptized believer.

Aquinas Cause #1 – Poor Catechesis and Lack of Devotion
Great efforts are underway by our Bishops to restore substance to our catechesis. Within this substance we need to provide specific material describing and leading our faithful to initial conversion by enacting their free will to ratify the baptismal “Yes” spoken by the parents. Absent of this action, we will strengthen the content without leading them to establish a loving relationship with Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Aquinas Cause #2 – Sin
Sin obviously destroys our relationship with the Holy Spirit and must be addressed. At the core of this cause is the relationship that must be restored. Preaching will be critical but even more important is the experienced presence of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of our believers who will reveal to them the truth about sin.

Aquinas Cause #3 – Demonic Influence
Of all causes cited by St. Thomas Aquinas, this cause is the one that is least acknowledged within the local Church. Rarely will I see parishes where acknowledgement of the existence of Demons is openly taught. The forces of evil no longer have a holy nation keeping them at bay. We must not only engage the enemy but also catechize our faithful on their presence and methods for bondage.

Aquinas Cause #4 – Lack of Faith
The results of the previous three causes have reduced our faithful to a limited understanding and little dependence on the person of God for their everyday lives. Faith seems to be more about understanding historical facts and rules than responding to a trust relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit. We must help them establish this relationship.

Conclusion & NEM Response
There are tangible things that can and must be done to turn the tide of moral decline in our world. Parishes need to begin to lead their faithful to the person of the Holy Spirit and instruct them on how a Disciple of Christ walks in the experience, power, and love of the Spirit. New Evangelization Ministries (NEM) is dedicated to assisting our parish and so we look forward to these days with Deacon Ralph. Please come and participate in our Parish Mission.