2017 USCCB Convocation Participants Guidebook and Journal | Page 6
Introduction
Participant Guidebook and Journal
in preparation for the Convocation of Catholic Leaders
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Bishops’ Working Group on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Introduction
The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who
encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salva-
tion are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and
loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.
(Pope Francis) 1
The Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in
America is a gathering of the rich diversity of Catholic lead-
ers from across the United States, convened by the bishops to
respond to our Holy Father Pope Francis’s call in his Apostolic
Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) “to embark
upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy [of the
Gospel]”—to become ever more, and to form others as, mission-
ary disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2
This moment is an opportunity for the Church in the United
States—in a broad representation of active and emerging leaders
under the guidance of the bishops—to examine today’s concerns,
challenges, and opportunities in the light of the Church’s mission
of evangelization, and be equipped to go forth, ready to engage
the world with the joy of the Gospel. As we reflect, pray, and
discern together at the Convocation, we will renew our baptismal
commitment to be missionary disciples in today’s world, and we
will be strengthened in this mission by one another and by the
grace of God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
There are two key outcomes for the Convocation of Catholic
Leaders: First, that leaders will be equipped and re-energized to
share the Gospel as missionary disciples, and, second, that they
1