3 minute read
St. Paul Street Evangelization: Good News Shared Beyond Our Parish Walls
There’s a misconception that Catholics don’t take to the streets to spread Jesus’ message. While that may be true in some parishes, it certainly isn’t here at St. Leo’s! A small, dedicated group led by Dennis Harb takes to the streets to pray with people and share the message of Jesus through the St. Paul Street Evangelization Team.
“This ministry is dedicated to responding to the mandate of Jesus to preach the Gospel to all nations by taking the Catholic faith to the streets, urging each of the baptized to bring the Gospel to a culture that has largely reverted to paganism,” Dennis says.
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Dennis started handing out free necklace crucifixes to men after he had open-heart surgery about two and a half years ago. When he woke up from the surgery, he took that as a sign that God had more planned for him. People asked him about the crucifixes, so he had the idea to start a ministry where he could talk about Jesus. Dennis brings a cart and signage and stands in various places throughout Grand Island, like the courthouse and Sam’s Club, making it clear he’s there to pray and talk about Jesus. Dennis admits doing this work was nerve-racking at first, but it quickly became easier.
“The Holy Spirit is right beside you giving you courage and confidence, and putting the words on your lips that need to be said,” Dennis says.
It is Dennis’ hope that more folks get involved. He’s also trying to expand this ministry to the other three Catholic Churches in Grand Island.
“I love doing evangelization work,” he says. “We are the hands and feet of Christ.”
Since starting this ministry, Dennis has had thousands of positive interactions with people. While on vacation in Arizona, three clerks at a sporting goods store approached Dennis about his crucifix. He gave them each one, and they talked for more than an hour about Jesus’ love.
“I was on vacation and did not even think about evangelizing,” he says. “The Holy Spirit wasn’t on vacation.”
As part of the St. Paul Street Evangelization Team, Dennis and the other volunteers hand out rosaries, pamphlets and miraculous medals. Volunteers need not be experts on the faith or the Bible. They are there to pray with people and tell them how much God loves them. Volunteers don’t chase people down the street. They are there for people who want to talk and pray.
“We can’t keep all God’s love for ourselves,” Dennis says. “We need to share that love with the millions of people who don’t know Him.”
Dennis Harb with his evangelization wagon
