The Mission of the Diocese of Plymouth, through the Vicariate for Evangelisation and Catechesis, is growing as A Diocese of Proclamation. Meaning that the faithful are so transformed in relationship with Jesus that they seek to “Go into the whole world and share the Good News” and are equipped and confident to introduce Him personally to others. This is the mission of the whole church, the Great Commission.
Our diocesan evangelisation team work to form us to evangelise and to create opportunities for evangelisation.
Most recently the team organised a successful art event in Yelverton. The Evangelisation Through Art exhibition at Holy Cross Church attracted over 220 visitors, showcasing work from 7 artists and creating a strong community response as well as spontaneous visits from visitors to the area. The objective was to host an event that would open hearts and stir souls. The artists were ready to engage with visitors using their art as a stimulus for meaningful engagement that, with grace, might open a faith conversation leading to Jesus.
A similar event organized independently by the Holy Family Parish in Penzance was also very successful in bringing new people in to visit the Church and learn more about our Faith. This event uses the mediums of quality concerts by local and international musical performers, artwork from parishioners and local primary and secondary schools, and themed flower arrangements by parishioners and others to engage and attract people. Most importantly there were parishioners with a strong desire to share Jesus’ good news and introduce Him personally where they could.
Art is a powerful tool for spiritual engagement. Across the centuries and across cultures, art has connected Christians of every generation with the story of salvation in Jesus Christ in which they participated in their own time and place. Visitors to our events are given the opportunity to experience deeper connections to faith through Jesus. Art helps open conversations, inspire reflection, and highlight God’s presence and healing in people’s lives and the world at large.
In his recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo reminds us that “For centuries, the Christian tradition has maintained that human beings are not confined by the boundaries of their own nature; rather, they are called to self-transcendence, not through an escape from reality or a contempt for their limitations, but through their fulfilment in love.” Art can be a means of exploring self-transcendence and love.
Building on this success, the initiative continues with exhibitions planned in Kingsbridge in July, Totnes in August and Newquay in September, inviting more people to come to know God’s love and truth through art.
You can find out more about learning to evangelise naturally, or about forthcoming exhibitions by contacting Michele.thompson@prcdtr.org.uk.
Image Credits: Debbiestovellart.com