The Kerygma Experience

The Kerygma is a term used in the Church to refer to the initial proclamation of the Gospel (deriving from the Greek word keryssein, meaning “to proclaim”). In essence, the Kerygma is “the message of salvation of the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ” (USCCB, Living as Missionary Disciples, 11). Pope Francis expresses the message as: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you” (Evangelii Gaudium, 164). The following four words can be used to summarize the Kerygma (from Fr. John Riccardo's book, Rescued: The Unexpected and Extraordinary News of the Gospel):

• Created
• Captured
• Rescued
• Response

This succinct way of expressing the story of salvation can be further explained as follows:

• In the beginning God created all that exists out of nothing, from his infinite love. Humanity was made in God’s image and likeness, as the pinnacle of creation. All of creation was declared good, was in perfect harmony, and experienced union with God.
• The first human beings, Adam and Eve, were deceived by the Devil and sinned against God by not trusting him. This original sin resulted in broken relationships between human beings and God, others, and all of creation. Captured by sin, human beings could do nothing on their own to right the wrong and save themselves.
• Out of his infinite love, God sent his only Son, Jesus, to become man and die for the sins of the world. Rising from the dead, he conquered sin and death and created a path to salvation. Jesus rescued creation from its broken state and opened the door for restored relationships with God, other human beings, and all of creation.
• The gift of salvation is available to all humanity, but it must be received through faith and baptism. The response humanity is called to give is summarized in Jesus’ invitation to “repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Those who have personally embraced the Gospel are also called to share it and to participate in the Church’s mission to evangelize.

The Kerygma Experience is a resource developed by the Archdiocese of Dubuque to help people prayerfully reflect on these four aspects of the Kerygma. The experience takes about one hour and utilizes Scripture and Catechism quotes, reflection questions, prayers, and songs (via videos with lyrics) to walk through the story of salvation and experience it personally.