This work is an updated version of papers presented at a 1994 "new evangelization" conference that grew out of an article by Fr. Avery Dulles (now a cardinal). Dulles, who was the keynote speaker, and other presenters addressed efforts of Vatican II participants and Popes Paul VI and John Paul II to clarify the call for Christian evangelization.

The 23 articles are grouped under six headings: Catching the Vision, Perspectives on Evangelization, How You Can Evangelize, Bringing the Good News to All People, Evangelizing as a Parish, and Evangelization and Christian Unity. Though all the authors are experts in their fields, and many refer widely to scholarly documents, the articles themselves are well within the grasp of the average reader and the content is practical, interesting, and inspiring.

In describing the "new" evangelization, Dulles writes, "Vatican II generally meant the proclamation of the basic Christian message of salvation through Jesus Christ." Other authors discuss evidence that many Catholics are not clear on the message and have no personal relationship with Jesus, two elements integral to evangelization strategies employed by Southern Baptists and others. The collection also includes stories of personal conversion, such as "Evangelizing in Business and Government" by Michael Timmis and how-to articles such as "The Story of an Evangelizing Parish" by Fr. Marc Montminy.

Fr. Montminy's conclusion reminds us that Jesus didn't die on the cross and send the Spirit so we could be nice to each other, offer a variety of parish activities, and reach out to the poor. "Jesus wants everyone to be holy! Spiritual growth is for everyone, which means that the ordinariness of everyday life is meant to be caught up in the vision of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit. For that to happen, each one of us must hear the Good News and respond to it."