The cardinal recently selected by Pope Benedict XVI to play a key role in the October 2012 world Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization told high school religion teachers Oct. 28 that solid catechesis, confidence in the faith and sharing the faith are critical elements to carrying out the work of the new evangelization.
"You are on the front line of the new evangelization -- an effort that mirrors so clearly the work of the early church and the first disciples," said Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington to a conference of Catholic high school religion teachers as part of High School Principals Association professional development day at a local Catholic high school.
"The new evangelization is not a program. It is a mode of thinking, seeing and acting," Cardinal Wuerl said.
"It is a lens through which we see the opportunities to proclaim the Gospel anew. It is also a recognition that the Holy Spirit is actively working in the church."
Pope Benedict named Cardinal Wuerl as the relator, or recording secretary, of the 2012 synod.
As recording secretary, he will be primarily responsible for preparing a thematic report for discussion at the opening of the Oct. 7-28 synod and another report summarizing speeches given in the first phase of the synod's general assemblies.
In his address, the cardinal told the religion teachers how important it is that they communicate a confident message of the "offer of an encounter with Christ, an invitation to faith, and another way to live."