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Catholic evangelist addresses Lenten mission
SHARING
WORD OF GOD
Richard Lane speaks at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown.
Catholic evangelist addresses Lenten mission
Catholic evangelist addresses Lenten Mission
By LINDA M. LINONIS
NEW MIDDLETOWN
Richard Lane describes himself as a “lay missionary” who is “preaching, teaching and sharing the word of God in the truest spirit of ecumenism.”
He was the keynote speaker for a Lenten mission Sunday through Wednesday at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 10143 Main St.
The theme was “Building Your Faith on a Firm Foundation.” Lane, the only person of color at the church, didn’t seem to have any problem connecting with the 50 or so people who attended morning Mass on Monday then stayed for his talk. The Lenten mission took place
His card describes him as a “Catholic evangelist,” and he said that means he is about “spreading the good news,” that is, about Christ’s message.
He hails from St. Louis and became a Catholic on April 19, 2002. “All my life, I felt the Lord calling,” said the man who was raised in another denomination. “I realized I was missing the Eucharist and the real person of Jesus Christ.”
He believes humans should “make disciples and touch lives around the world.” He emphasized forgiving others. “No one knows the hour or day of their death ... but you want to be prepared,” he said. “People have storms in their lives, and they have to lean on their faith to get through.”
Lane likened people to diamonds. “They’re virtually unbreakable,” he said, adding “they’re formed under pressure.” The stress in our lives is “God perfecting us,” he said, noting the wisdom, strength and counsel we develop are “gifts from God.”
The speaker said, “God wants to be involved in your lives ... not just when you’re at church, but all aspects.” He emphasized that when “God is not involved in your lives, that’s when stress creeps up.”
Lane advised his audience to “live the words of Jesus Christ.” In Scripture, he noted, there are many references to caring for the “poor, needy and suffering” and by doing so, that is following Christ’s directive. Unfortunately, he noted, the world is “more polarized” and our nation is divided. “We’re a nation afraid to talk about the race issue,” he said. “But God can bring us together.”
He urged church members to try to be more attuned to the trials and suffering of fellow members and offer help. “We also must pray for one another,” he urged.
Lane asked the audience to follow the acronym CAT.
Confession, he said, is “taking a spiritual bath.” Stick with one confessor and make a confession at least once a month.
Adoration, he continued, is spending time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. “This is sitting in God’s presence and talking to him,” he said.
Tithing, he concluded, is not only giving one’s time and talent to the church, it is making a financial contribution in addition to the regular offering.
The Rev. Christopher Luoni, church pastor, said the mission team on the parish plans a Lenten mission. He explained a parish member had heard Lane speak in Canton and suggested him.