Ann Lankford on Evangelization, Catechesis, RCIA, and Franciscan at Home

Host Jack Socha speaks by phone with Ann Lankford, Director of the Diocese of La Crosse Department of Catechesis and Evangelization, about the relationship between evangelization (ongoing encounter with Jesus) and catechesis (teaching to deepen that relationship) and the need to share faith gently in a culture often hostile to religion. They discuss how diocesan work adapted during COVID through remote meetings, webinars, and virtual conferences, including a large August event on overcoming spiritual discouragement with Fr. Timothy Gallagher and related resources still available. Ann describes RCIA, notes her 40-lesson catechist binder, and explains the diocese’s preference for a longer 15-month to two-year process, along with varied parish approaches during lockdown. She also previews Franciscan at Home, a free online workshop system for parishes and schools, expected to launch after mid-June.

00:00 Show Introduction

00:50 Catechesis and Evangelization

03:51 Everyday Evangelization

07:48 Pandemic Work Shifts

11:12 Zoom Formation for Parishes

13:59 RCIA Overview and Purpose

17:53 RCIA as Lifelong Formation

21:35 Break and Vocations Message

23:59 RCIA During Lockdowns

29:13 How to Join RCIA

31:29 COVID Still Looms

31:53 Planning Fall Programs

32:28 Parents Lead Faith

35:23 Family Life Wins

36:56 Franciscan At Home

38:34 Launch And Logistics

41:41 Break And Sports Story

43:51 Tech And Ministry Praise

47:40 Virtual Conference Impact

49:35 Spiritual Discouragement Tools

52:01 Wrap Up And Archives

53:01 Baba Yetu Discovery

55:55 Final Song Sendoff