Well before he was named auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, Bishop Robert Barron was known throughout the universal Church for his evangelization efforts.

Bishop Barron’s best-selling books, his award-winning documentary about the faith — “Catholicism” — and his Word on Fire Catholic Ministries brought the faithful into a deeper relationship with God and their neighbor. His YouTube videos have been viewed more than 14 million times and, after Pope Francis, he is the most-followed Catholic leader on social media.

The late-Cardinal Francis George described him as “one of the Church’s best messengers” and Bishop Barron gave the opening Keynote at the World Meeting of Families in 2015.

It came as no surprise, then, when the U.S. bishops elected Bishop Barron to lead the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis. Catholics in the Los Angeles Archdiocese have embraced him and have been delighted by the many gifts he brings to his episcopacy.

Bishop Barron is reaching non-Catholics too. Last month, Bishop Barron discussed concerns about assisted suicide with Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Orange County. Radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt moderated the conversation.

Word On Fire Pivotal Players Vol. 1 episodes will be broadcast on PBS SoCal KOCE from 8-9 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 19. Those episodes will note the examples set by St. Francis and Michelangelo. Please tune in!