Centro Kerigma International

What is it?

Center Kerygma International aims to be the response to the plea of the Catholic Church for the New Evangelization, a place where, through an active- participatory methodology, preaching has the intention and the objective to form evangelizers with a kerygmatic mentality. Our team of lay people and catholic priest has over twenty-five years of experience working for the formation of the New Evangelization.

Our services are offered to all dioceses, parishes, pastoral operators, groups and ecclesial movements that wish to announce, with great spiritual power, that Jesus Christ is alive – the same as he was yesterday, is today, and will be forever. (Heb 13,8).

Through biblical-study courses, Center Kerygma International helps the “New Evangelizer” renew their personal attachment to Christ and grow in the knowledge of faith.

These biblical-study courses are taught in such a way so as to give participants sufficient knowledge of the readings the formation so that they themselves can teach the courses at their local churches.

Center Kerygma aims to offer:

1. Courses and experiences of kerygmatic evangelization.
2. Pastoral and spiritual formation to the kerygmatic announce.
3. Growth and formation in the faith.
4. A meeting point for movements, associations, groups and ecclesial realities which intend to evangelize starting from the first announcement.
5. The beauty of the unity of the Church that listens, welcomes and proclaims the Word of God, valuing the charisms of the communities to bring the message of salvation to all the women and men loved by the Lord.

How does it help?

Through our evangelization courses, lay people develop a deeper relationship with God, are given the opportunity to renew their personal attachment to Christ, and grow in the knowledge of their faith. Further, biblical, spiritual and complete formation programs are offered. These nurture participants in their role as evangelizers and faithful witnesses of God’s Word, and gives them the tools necessary to be helped and also help those that the Lord calls to the light of salvation. After the conclusion of a course and completion of these formation programs, participants feel capable of and encouraged to teach these evangelization courses in their own communities, and thus become active contributors to the evangelization movement.

Why is it important?

Together with the “outgoing Church, community of missionary disciples” (EG 24) we embrace Pope Francis’ words, that “the joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of those who meet Jesus” (EG 1). We are committed to mission of that New Evangelization to proclaim the Gospel and to accompany our humanity today “in all its processes, however hard and prolonged they may be” (EG 24).

At this time, it is increasingly urgent to commit to a kerygmatic mentality. A kerygmatic mentality allows one to reawaken their faith, to share their faith, and encourage others in their faith formation. With this mentality and these contributions, the Church sustains as a place of God’s mercy and hope, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven, encouraged to live in the joy that is the new life of the Gospel.

Our proposal is to make the Kingdom of God better known (Lk 4:43): ” To the extent that he reigns within us, the life of society will be a setting for universal fraternity, justice, peace and dignity” (EG 180). Only in this way will it be possible to realize communion and familiarity with the Lord, to enter His own divine life and to experience the full joy of His unconditional love.

The bible-study courses are taught to the “New Evangelizers” with the aim of understanding the Kingdom of God and His justice (Mt 6:33). Here it is clear that Jesus’ plan is to establish the Kingdom of his Father; He asks his disciples: “Preach, saying that the kingdom of heaven is near” (Mt 10,7). “If we are evangelizers, it is above all because Jesus told us. In this my Father is glorified: that you bear much fruit “(Jn 15: 8). We evangelize for the greater glory of the Father who loves us “(EG 267) and who in his crucified Son Jesus makes us “the people of God” (1Pt 2:10).

Members of the laity may be formed for a new evangelization so that they can become credible witnesses of God’s love and also so that they can help to provide answers to some of the contemporary questions of humanity.

How did it start

The Center Kerygma began in November 2013. Many of the Center’s members have had long service careers working for evangelization and in various ecclesial movements, associations and parish communities. Over time, we have developed three evangelization programs : Youth Project (young people who evangelize young people), Family Project (for family evangelization) and Kairos Project (for the formation of adults). These form the backbone of the missionary program of the Kerygma Center.

Benefits

All of our three evangelization programs start first with reflection so that participants may come to a personal encounter with Jesus. The course then continues with  kerygmatic catechesis and a biblical and spiritual formation program that encourages growth in one’s faith and one’s community. This methodology helps participants in their journey to the light of the Word of God. Through this, we may better deal with the difficulties and obstacles of our world, and strength our faith and the faith of the family of God within the communities in which we live.

Means and funding

The work of the Center Kerygma relies on the help of volunteers. The Center’s events and formation materials are funded by individual donations, participation fees, and a few fundraising events. The Center is also supported by the Diocese of Ragusa, where the Center Kerygma is based.

Learn more

Please visit our website (www.nuovaevangelizzazione.it) and follow us on our social media networks. On our site you will find more information on how to teach our courses in your own community

More information can be obtained by writing to centrokerigma@nuovaevangelizzazione.it

Countries involved

There are many communities that use our method and teach our courses in their area. The countries represented are: USA, Mexico, Australia, Slovakia, Italy, Costa Rica, Aruba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Peru.

How to start?

Our team is available to travel to different places in the world in order to bring the kerygmatic mission to you and your community. We would share our training program with you and help you form a curriculum.