The documents of the Second Vatican Council state that evangelization --bringing people to Christ-- is a primary objective of the Catholic Church. The Council urged that all modern means of communications be used to achieve this purpose. Pope Paul VI pointed out that, before we engage in evangelization, we first must become involved in pre- evangelization. We must try to sweep away the "cobwebs of misunderstanding" which surround the image of the Catholic Church in many peoples’ minds. Only then will they be able to see the beauty and feel the warmth of the Catholic faith.

The Council also promoted the concept of ecumenism by urging Catholics to work with people of good will from other Christian groups in bringing the Gospel to the world. The Bishops also urged Catholics to learn as much as possible about the teachings of their own church. Thus, among many other ideas, the Council urged Catholics to pursue education, evangelization, and ecumenism.