By Dan McCarty • Posted July 21, 2026

The Missionary Hub team at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Chester is offering a series of workshops on evangelization this summer.

Josh Bean, director of the missionary hub for Chester, spoke July 8 at St. Joseph Church in Aston on “Catholicism 101: The Mass and the Heart of the Catholic Faith.”

In Bean’s first talk in the series last month, he discussed “Evangelism on Purpose” and specifically focused on how the sacrament of confirmation equips people for mission.

The second talk was titled “Evangelism 101: What EXACTLY Do I Share with Others” centering on the proclamation of the Gospel message and the Nicene Creed.

“As the hub director, I regularly meet with (St. Katharine Drexel Parish’s) pastor, Father Bob Ianelli, and since the hub was launched in October, he and I have been discussing group ministries and equipping missionary disciples,” said Bean.

As a missionary discipleship facilitator for the archdiocesan Office for the New Evangelization, Gina Mesko believes that the meaning of the Mass is what people need to hear. She thinks that especially holds true for people engaged in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults as they prepare to receive their sacraments of initiation in the Church.

“I just hope people will never view the Mass the same (way) again,” said Mesko.

Bean said that during the Mass, the congregation is invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb, joining the worship of heaven that never ends, as Revelation 19:9 says. Bean wants people to understand that the Mass is the living heart of the Catholic faith, where Jesus gives Himself to the people and they give their lives back to Him.

“My hope is that Mass moves from routine to a real encounter with the Lord and that people leave more in love with the Eucharist and eager to bring someone with them next time,” said Bean.

He addressed whether one should invite friends to Mass, and he suggested that bringing them  to an evangelization workshop or group discussion like the ones he leads would be a better alternative than asking them to come to church.

“This class is what to invite them to,” said Bean. “You give people one of these lenses and they will open up.”

During small-group discussions at his workshop, Bean encouraged everyone to think about what they see when picturing heaven. David Serrano, a member of the Chester missionary hub team, said he pictures home and eternal life.

“Eternal life is the promise of Jesus,” said Serrano. “It’s like home. It’s our ultimate goal to be in heaven.”

One question that Bean wanted everyone to ask themselves during discussion was why is the resurrection of Jesus so important? One participant who did not give his name said that Jesus wouldn’t be who He is if He didn’t rise from the dead. Bean also asked the participants if they find it hard to believe Jesus is alive today. Another attendee said that if Jesus wasn’t alive, there would be no hope for eternal life.

Bean wrapped up the evening by discussing the term eschatology. That is the study of end times or last things, which Bean thought was appropriate for the final part of his talk. At Mass, people are entering the future worship of the risen Christ.

“The Mass shapes us to be servants to go and to serve,” said Bean. “The Mass is shaping us to give and to be like Christ. He is transforming us.”

Everyone prayed a “Hail Mary” together to conclude the evening. Bean reminded them that they can look to Jesus and Mary as models of faith and trust in God.

The missionary hub team at St. Katharine Drexel Parish will next feature Serrano leading a workshop titled “God Made You on Purpose: Spiritual Gifts Shape Disciples” on Wednesday, July 29 from 6:30-8 p.m. at a site to be determined.