Men’s Retreat Calls for Bold Evangelisation

“Matthew, Peter and Mark are no longer here – so it is up to us to evangelise.” With these words, Fr Alvan opened a recent retreat attended by around 25 men from parishes across the Diocese of East Anglia.

The weekend gathering focused on the call of every baptised Catholic to share the Good News of Christ. Fr Alvan reminded participants that the Church exists to evangelise and that each of us has both the responsibility and the authority to do so. Evangelisation may come through words, he said, but perhaps more powerfully through the witness of how we live our lives. Our task is to be people of hope, always ready to explain boldly the source of that hope.

At the heart of this mission is prayer and the sacraments. “Evangelisation begins on your knees,” Fr Alvan emphasised, encouraging the men to let the Holy Spirit be their “senior partner”. Genuine witness, he added, comes from remembering the wonders God has done for us and living with integrity so that our lives reflect the Gospel.

The retreat also highlighted the importance of knowing our faith. Catholics, Fr Alvan stressed, have a duty to be familiar with the teachings of the Church, particularly through the Catechism, so that they can explain not only what they believe but why. Evangelisation, he noted, often involves risk and stepping outside our comfort zones. While few of us are called to the ultimate sacrifice faced by some Christians across the world, we are all called to courage and boldness – encouraged by the assurance that our Heavenly Father is always with us.

Fr Alvan pointed to the example of the early disciples, who often worked in pairs. Likewise, he encouraged participants to support one another in their endeavours. Though evangelisation can lead to indifference, rejection or hostility, the fruits will be great. “Jesus never said it would be easy,” he reminded the group, “but when we pass through the fire, we will not be burnt.”

The day’s programme included Mass, lunch, prayer and discussion led by Fr Alvan together with Luc Wallace of the Ignite Team. Luc shared practical insights drawn from his experience of working with young people, while Damian from St Edmund’s parish spoke with enthusiasm about their new parish initiative – a church stall at the Bury St Edmunds Market, which they hope to repeat throughout the year.

The retreat concluded with the Rosary, prayed while walking the Holy Mile – a fitting close to a day of faith, fellowship and encouragement.

Participants expressed deep appreciation for the retreat, with heartfelt thanks offered to Fr Alvan and the Ignite Team for their guidance and inspiration.

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