Evangelization Center Director to Work in the Vatican

, the Catholic center for evangelization established by the Diocese of Paterson at the former Bayley-Ellard High School in Madison, could serve as a model for other centers and evangelization programs in dioceses around the world.

The Rev. Geno Sylva, the center's director, was asked by Archibishop Salvatore Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Commission on the New Evangelization, to assist with the council's efforts throughout the English-speaking world. Pope Benedict XVI formed the council in June 2010.

Sylva said he is excited and honored to have the new job, and a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated at St. Paul Inside the Walls on Sunday.

"It's been the greatest experience of my life here at St. Paul's," Sylva said. "I've learned so much in how to set up environments and arenas for people to talk about God. It's been a learning experience. Some things we've tried and worked, some didn't. I'm excited to see how we can transpose it into other arenas."

Programs for young adults, for individuals in the same careers, and even a trial on the existance of God, were among the programs Sylva implemented at St. Paul's.

Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli has announced the appointment of the Rev. Paul Manning, pastor of St. Philip Parish in Clifton, and diocesan Vicar for Education, as the new Executive Director of St. Paul Inside the Walls: The Catholic Center for Evangelization at Bayley-Ellard, in Madison, and the new diocesan Vicar for Evangelization, effective July 1.

Since his first year as the Bishop of Paterson, Bishop Serratelli identified evangelization as his priority in the diocese, and the establishment of St. Paul Inside the Walls was a key part of that mission, the diocese said.

Sylva began the process in September 2008 to renovate the buildings, raise needed funds and establish a comprehensive approach to evangelization.

"The Center is designed to support the mission of parishes and schools in the diocese, and also to be a place where young adults can experience the life of the Church and share the message of Jesus Christ," the diocese said.