They are to be approached with the response and commitment that does justice to the great and holy gift that God gives in the sacraments, his own self. By this he meant the tendency in the church to ask less from the people than the gospel asks, and to offer less to the people than the gospel offers. Often the pastoral approach of the Catholic Church has tended to promote and preserve a lukewarm Christianity. The church is in the midst of a massive change in social, political, economic, and cultural conditions. It is groping toward a new understanding of its situation and seeking a new, adequate pastoral strategy.
Evangelism is a key to a whole pastoral strategy adequate for our time.
It will be years before the new strategy will be clear in the church at large, but already many are moving toward it. I think the words that Arch bishop Bernardin addressed to his fellow bishops can apply in some measure to us all. Finally, if we bishops are to be effective evangelizers and catechists, it is essential that in our own lives we give witness to our beliefs and values-our personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and redeemer. And this must be a visible and perceptible witness, capable of inspiring others to the point at which, responding to God's abundant grace, they too will make a similar commitment. These things are important and desirable . . .