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