Adult Evangelization
Our Purpose
The primary form of parish evangelization and catechesis is adult evangelization. The Church teaches:
“[T]he catechesis of adults … is the principal form of catechesis, because it is addressed to persons who have the greatest responsibilities and the capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form.” (John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae, no. 43)
The Parish Support team is here to help your adult parishioners to proclaim the Gospel, radiate Christ, and renew your parish.
Ways we can help
- Renew your initiation process (OCIA)
- Create evangelizing small groups
- Organize a series of dynamic talks on faith and spirituality
- Bring charism discernment to your parish
- Train your ministry leaders in the Process of Evangelization and Discipleship
- Overcome obstacles to effective ministry and parish renewal
- Create a strategy for adult evangelization

Resources for Adult Evangelists
OCIA
- CNE OCIA Page
- Faith, Life, and Creed, Team Initiation
- On the Journey, Associate for Catechumenal Ministry
- Symbolon, Augustine Institute
- Alpha (inquiry & pre-catechumenate)
Online Learning
- Franciscan at Home, Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Institute of Catholic Culture
- Word on Fire Digital, Word on Fire
- FORMED, Augustine Institute
- School of Apologetics, Catholic Answers
Bible Studies
- Six Weeks with the Bible, Loyola Press
- Bible Studies, Ascension Press
- Come and See Series, Emmaus Road Publishing
- Journey Through Scripture Series, St. Paul Center
- Bible Studies, Walking with Purpose (for women)
Small Group Studies
- Radiate Christ, Archdiocese of Cincinnati
- Disciples Radiate Christ, Archdiocese of Cincinnati
- Discipleship Quads, Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Small Group Programs, Renew International
Upcoming Events
The Journey From Beginning Disciple to Missionary Disciple We often lump the stages of discipleship into one big bucket. If the journey of discipleship is lifelong, it makes sense that[...]
Contact Us


Christine Baumgardner
Contact Me For:
- Launching Adult Small Groups
- Family Evangelization Questions
- Help with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Bio: I will be assisting parish evangelists with creating and implementing evangelization methods that target the whole family.
A Little About Me: My husband Steve and I have been married for 28 years and have three grown boys. I taught 2nd grade before deciding to spend some time at home with my children when they were young. My most recent position was at Our Lady of Sorrows as the Director of Religious Education. While there, I completed my graduate degree at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology.
Favorite Saint: St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Favorite Bible verses:
“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28


Nicholas Hardesty
Contact me for:
- Guidance for evangelization efforts
- Formation of parish staff and volunteer leaders
- Renewal of your Adult Ed initiatives
Bio: As a member of the Parish Support Team, my job is to accompany parish leaders and offer them formation and support so that they can grow in their identity as missionary disciples and be catalysts for renewal in their parishes. I also develop content for our blog and for the Catholic Telegraph, and give talks at retreats, conferences, workshops, and in-service days throughout the Archdiocese. What I love about my work is that I am encouraged to use the gifts God gave me, I get to have a real impact in people’s lives, and I get to work alongside people who value and support me.
A Little About Me: I’m from Owensboro, Kentucky (Go Cats!). I have a twin brother who is a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY. I met my wife, who’s from Maine, on a website for fans of Catholic Hip Hop. I like my food as spicy as you can possibly make it.
Favorite Saint: St. Michael the Archangel
Favorite Bible Verse: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.” (1 Pet 2:9-10)


Shane Legg
Contact me for:
- Onsite training and formation for your youth evangelization team
- If you have questions about Athletics
- Youth evangelization questions regarding the Dayton area specifically
Bio: As the Assoicate Director for Youth Evanglization, my role is to assist with training and development for youth evangelists, mainly in the Dayton area. I also oversee the parish athletic programs for the Archdiocese.
A Little About Me: I have been married to my wife, Jenna, for just over 5 years, and have 13 and 10-year-old (foster) sons. I previously worked in youth ministry at the Catholic Communities of Northwest Dayton for over 7 years, while also serving on the Greater Dayton CYO Executive Board.
Favorite Saint: St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Favorite Bible Verse: “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.” – Romans 5:10