Michael Smigielski is a parishioner of St. Hyacinth in Detroit. He is active in many roles there, including lector. Michael has also been active with St. Paul Street Evangelization for many years. Here, he talks about how the organization affects his faith and others! If you’re a Synod member and would like to highlight part of your journey to Synod 2016, please email me.

Three years ago, friend introduced me to St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) at the Diag (U of M campus in Ann Arbor). When I arrived, I noticed a simple sign with pictures of Jesus and Mary on it and a small table with multi-topic brochures on it. There was also a box with what seemed like a gazillion rosaries and miraculous medals in it. Then I heard “Would you like a free rosary or miraculous medal?” from one of the volunteers.

I asked myself “It’s that easy?” and then grabbed an armful of rosaries and started offering one to the students passing by.

I wasn’t sure what reactions I would get from people walking by. I tried to put myself in their place thinking “Who is this guy handing out religious stuff?” or “Is he looking for a donation?” or worse yet “Maybe he is crazy?” The two hours that I stood there, I was surprised how all but one person was polite in either accepting or rejecting my offer.

The most powerful memory I have of that afternoon was a student who hung out at a distance. He seemed to be somewhat curious in what we were doing but not willing to walk our way. I sensed his interest and decided to walk over and start a conversation. I sensed a religious discussion was not what was needed with this young man. Instead, he simply needed someone to talk to. So, I asked him how his afternoon was going, what he is studying etc. He opened up a lot to me that day. He was studying Graphic Arts, was a sophomore, and loved hanging out in the Diag. Bottom line: He just needed someone to care.

While the primary mission of evangelization is to witness to the joy found in following Jesus Christ and His Church, sometimes we don’t get a chance to say why we are there or get to ask questions about their faith journey. Many times, just being present to a stranger on the street, even for a moment, is what they need to feel valued and accepted. And with God’s grace, we hope they recognize that they are a beloved child of God. That young man didn’t accept a rosary from me at the end of our long conversation, but he did appreciate the time I spent with him focusing on his interests and desires.

And that is what the New Evangelization is about. Whether we are well-versed in our Catholic Christian Faith or the person who forgot how to say the “Glory Be”, God is calling us to love our neighbor, now. He gives us ALL the grace to be Christ-like to ALL. We just need to say “Here I am, Lord. Where do you want me to help You today?”

Our world is gravely sick with sin. Parents that abandon their children emotionally, spiritually and physically, wars, crooked governments and politicians, people with no regard for morality or the Commandments.

I’m a sinful man. We are all sinners. But our world needs us believers to share in the joy of being a follower of Christ. We are Redeemed by Him and His Precious Blood. He gave us a teaching Church as an ever-present sign and reality of this great Love. So, if we come to believe this is all true, we then ask ourselves “How can I share my Faith?” We can ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in this question. Some other ideas:

Where can I start within my own family and friends?

Should I try street evangelization?

Maybe in regards to that difficult co-worker…I’ll compliment her today.

The clerk at the supermarket looks like she is having a bad day. I’ll say something funny to cheer her up.

The lonely elderly neighbor across the street has no one visiting him. I’ll bring him dinner tonight.

I’ll start wearing my crucifix on the outside of my shirt. That way, the serenity I possess in my demeanor will demonstrate to others that my Faith is essential to who I am. And maybe it will start a faith conversation!

I’ll invite that family member and/or friend to Sunday Mass with me.

If you would like to learn more about St. Paul Street Evangelization, you can visit their website or their Metro Detroit Facebook event page.

SPSE has several teams that work events here in Metro Detroit in cities like Plymouth, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Wyandotte, and Detroit. For example, there will be volunteers stationed at the Dream Cruise this entire weekend at the corner of 12 Mile and Woodward, in front of the Shrine of the Little Flower. You can just show up or sign up for a specific time on the Facebook page.

God bless you.