Everyday Witness

Do you want to share your faith with others but think you might not know enough? Are you worried that conflicts will arise as you openly talk about and share the love of Christ?

In Everyday Witness, Sr. Theresa Rickard, O.P., president of RENEW International, offers seven simple habits to help fellow Catholics more comfortably talk about and model Christian faith in our everyday lives.

Most often people come to Christ because they’ve admired the words and actions of believers they respect. But talking about God and witnessing by our actions can be very difficult. In this primer for evangelizing witness, Rickard presents inspirational stories and biblical reflections along with spiritual coaching and practical advice for Catholics who want to get better at sharing what they believe and how they came to believe it.

Rickard encourages us to adopt seven habits that will help us confidently share our faith in word and deed:

• choose joy

• be humble

• preach from the pulpit of life

• pray unceasingly

• listen closely

• practice the art of accompaniment

• engage in God-talk

Each chapter includes Rickard’s reflection on witnessing the faith in her own life, a brief survey of what the Bible says on the topic, and the story of an ordinary person who gives witness to their faith in an extraordinary way. Each chapter also offers self-reflection questions, simple ideas about how to grow the habit, and a closing prayer that gives us not only food for thought but also practical help for becoming better witnesses to our Catholic faith.

Theresa Rickard, O.P., is a Dominican Sister of Blauvelt, New York, a well-known retreat leader, and the president of RENEW International. She is the author of Daily Devotions for Advent 2015, Daily Devotions for Lent 2014, and LiveLent! Rickard also contributed to Preaching the Sunday Assembly and We Preach Christ Crucified. She earned a doctorate of ministry in preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, a master of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and a master of arts degree in religion and religious education at Fordham University. Prior to working at RENEW, Rickard ministered in two multicultural parishes in the South Bronx, was the director of vocation and formation ministry for her congregation, and was a member of the Archdiocese of New York’s Parish Mission Team.

“Sr. Terry Rickard is the Stephen Covey of highly effective habits for a joyful, Christian journey.”
Rev. Anthony Randazzo
Pastor of The Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity
Westfield, New Jersey

“Everyday Witness is an excellent book that weaves together a beautiful tapestry of scripture and everyday life.”
Rev. Jeremiah Browne
South Africa Coordinator
RENEW Africa

“As Church we need to reintroduce and awaken the real meaning of sharing our faith without complicating the process. Rickard’s seven simple habits are exactly the tools I have been seeking for small-group, faith-sharing participants.”
Sr. Linda LaMagna, C.C.W.
Coordinator, Evangelization Office
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

“Rickard’s stories of ordinary Christians living holy lives illustrate missionary discipleship as being relatable and attainable. We too can be disciples and disciple-makers, using our unique gifts. I am deeply grateful for this inspiring work.”
Diane Kledzik
Director for Marriage and Family Life
Diocese of St. Petersburg

“Practical wisdom in a user-friendly format. This little book is fantastic!”
Theodore J. Musco
Secretary for Evangelization and Catechesis
Diocese of Brooklyn