I A M T H E V I N E . Y O U A R E T H E B R A N C H E S . J O H N 1 5 : 5

Fall 2014

Volume 5 Issue 1

The Vine E-Newsletter of the

Office for Evangelization

Inside This Issue:

Bible Study Training Program

15

Men’s Conference 16

Women’s Commission

17

Soles for Faith 18

March for Marriage

19

National Catholic Bible Conference

20

Theology of the Body

20

Upcoming Events 22

Shepherd’s Mass 23

Array of Hope/ Matt Maher

24

Sharing the Faith You Love

26

Keys to Dynamic Discipleship

27

Freedom to Love 28

Forming Intentional Disciples

29

A Tribute to Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, SDV, DD

Leading Evangelization Efforts in the Archdiocese of Newark

2004-2014

& Retrospective of the Office for Evangelization

“Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather by what you have left.”

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

The Evangelization Commission and the Office for Evangelization wish to honor Bishop da Cunha, for his generosity of spirit in leading

and guiding the Office for Evangelization over the past nine years, faithfully serving as Vicar for Evangelization.

Newsletter

Editor - Liliana Soto-Cabrera

Layout Design - Marissa Espinosa

Spanish Newsletter Translation - Cristina Pardo

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As many already know, Bishop da Cunha was appointed by Pope Francis on Thursday, July 3, 2014 to be the Eighth Bishop of Fall River, Massachusetts. He will be installed on September 24, 2014. Of course, it is with mixed emotions

that we bid Bishop our fond farewell. He will be sorely missed.

The Office for Evangelization, (OFE) has always ascribed to the mandate given by Christ before His Ascension: “Go

therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of

the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NAB).

This is the clarion call for all Catholics. Bishop da Cunha understood that call and always sought ways to promote the

sublime duty of evangelization. He heeded St. John Paul II’s words as proclaimed in Redemptoris Missio, 3. “No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples.”

Even though his duties as Vicar for Essex County and Auxiliary Bishop were quite daunting, he always took an active

interest in the goals and projects of the OFE. He initiated many of the endeavors to reach out to modern man in a

way that was, as St. John Paul II expressed, when defining the New Evangelization - new in ardor, expression and methods.

From the initial event of the OFE - the Festival of Faith (a celebration of Catholic identity); to the first Archdiocesan

Catholic 5K Run in 2010; to promoting vibrant and exciting speakers, bible teachers and unique methods of evangelization, he was never discouraged but always forged ahead with new initiatives and ideas to reach faithful

Catholics of the Archdiocese, as well as those that were not living the fullness of the faith or those that had no faith.

He encouraged the OFE to go out into the vineyard, find out the needs of parishes in the Archdiocese and fall in love with the flock.

A Brief History:

In 2004, Archbishop Myers asked Bishop da Cunha to lead a Task Force on Evangelization. This group met over the course of a year, after which they decided to hire a Coordinator for Evangelization. The office opened its doors in

January 2005 with Liliana Soto-Cabrera as its Coordinator under the direction of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, who was appointed Vicar for Evangelization. Soon after, the Evangelization Commission was formed as an advisory group to

the office. The current members of the commission are: Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda, Rev. Msgr. Richard Arnhols,

Rev. Bismark Chau, Rev. Thomas A. Dente, Rev. Matthew Dooley, Rev. John Gordon, Rev. Timothy Graff, Rev. Michael Saporito, Sr. Patricia Lucas, Lynn Gully, Richard de la Fuente, Ron Pihokker and Liliana Soto-Cabrera.

Following development of a website and coordination of the Why Catholic? and Disciples in Mission programs

throughout the parishes of the Archdiocese, the first major event of the Office was the Festival of Faith, held in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, in September, 2007. Over 800 people attended the conference-type

event, which hosted various musical groups, speakers and ministries celebrating our Catholic identity.

Soon after, several working committees were established:

Bible Studies Faith Sharing Groups Family Outreach Hispanic/New Evangelization Partnership (2014) Lay Ecclesial Movements Partnership New Evangelization/Outreach to Inactive Catholics New Media/Communications Parish Partnership School of Evangelization Youth/Young Adult New Evangelization Partnership (Y-NEP) (2013)

Here is a brief synopsis of the many endeavors, projects, and programs initiated over the past 9 years by these working committees under Bishop da Cunha’s leadership:

Bible Studies Committee:

Great Adventure Bible Timeline in a Day with Jeff Cavins (General Editor and Presenter of the Great Adventure

Bible Study Program) (200 attendees) - March 2008

Quick Journey through the Bible offering with Chancery Employees - 2008

24 week Bible Timeline Study, Archdiocesan Center – January 2010

Quick Journey through the Bible – 9 parishes-(over 600 attendees) - 2011 – 2012

Archdiocesan Facilitator Training Sessions – February 2011; January 2012; January 2014

“Scripture and the New Evangelization” Evening Presentation & Reception with Jeff Cavins (for Archdiocesan Bible

Study Leaders) – October 18, 2013

Matthew in a Day Live Seminar with Jeff Cavins – (350 attendees) - October 19, 2013

Various training meetings and presentations with individual parishes

Attendance and support of National Catholic Bible Conference, PA – 2012, 2013, 2014.

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Faith Sharing Groups Committee:

Why Catholic?: A Journey through the Catechism, 44 parishes, 2006 – 2009.

Disciples in Mission, six parishes, 2006-2009.

Celebration of Small Christian Communities Mass and EXPO on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark. Expo at Archdiocesan Center of more opportunities for small faith sharing experiences.

33 Days to Morning Glory Consecration, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, South Orange, November 2013.

Catholicism Series in Spanish, Archdiocesan Center 150 attendees, 2014.

Family Outreach Committee:

Theology of the Body for Teens training days with Damon Owens, founder of the New Jersey Natural Family Planning Association and current President of the Theology of the Body Institute. Saturday, September 19, 2009, St. Elizabeth Parish, Wyckoff and Sunday, September 20, 2009, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Bloomfield. Over 150 attendees.

Attendance and promotion of March for Life, Washington, D.C., 2008-present.

Attendance and promotion of March for Marriage, Washington D.C., 2013, 2014.

Hispanic/New Evangelization Partnership Committee:

Why Catholic?: A Journey Through the Catechism, 2006-2009. (¿Por qué ser Catolico?)

Disciples in Mission, 2006-2009. (Discípulos en Misión)

Collaboration with Hispanic Apostolate, coordination and organization of Regional Encounters of Youth in preparation for the First National Encounter for Hispanic Youth (Pastoral Juvenil). Three Archdi-ocesan rallies. Regional Encounter –March 24, 2006, Pennsylvania.

First National Encounter for Hispanic Youth participation, June 8-11 2006, Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana.

New Evangelization Missionary Project (NEMP) Training, Archdiocesan Center, February – April 2010. (Projecto Misionero - Nueva Evangeliación)

Annual Women’s Day of Reflection, Seton Hall University, 450-700 attendees, 2011-2014.

Facilitation of ongoing NFP private instruction for Hispanic married couples, Archdiocesan Center, 2010-present.

Catolicismo program (Word on Fire), Archdiocesan Center, 150 attendees, 2014

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Lay Ecclesial Movements Partnership Committee:

Meeting with leadership of ecclesial movements in Archdiocese, beginning 2008.

Pentecost Masses, 2009, 2010, 2011

Epiphany Gathering with ecclesial

movements leaders 2011; Day of Reflection 2013

A Call to Witness in the Year of Faith: Empowering Ecclesial Movements and Lay Communities of the Archdiocese of Newark as Agents of the New Evangelization webinar series. Four one hour webinars: Feb-ruary 2013, April 2013, May 2013, August 2013.

Bishop da Cunha and Cursillo Movement leaders

New Evangelization/Outreach to Inactive Catholics Committee:

This Committee consists of four on-going projects:

ChristLife Evangelization Process – Discovering Christ, Following Christ, Sharing Christ

New Evangelization Missionary Project (NEMP)

Parish Evangelizing Cells System (PECS)

Soles for Faith Catholic Running Team (SFF)

Discovering Christ Training Conference with ChristLife founder, Dave Nodar and ministry staff, 100 attendees

from 40 parishes, April 24 & 25, 2012

Numerous parishes offering the Discovering Christ Program – integral involvement and training sessions with

many parishes for team formation and operation of program.

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Door to Door Evangelization NEMP Training – February – April

2010 training sessions, Archdiocesan Center

Parish Evangelizing Cell System (PECS) – Twelve people from the Archdiocese of Newark traveled to Pembroke

Pines, FL for weekend training, 2009.

Regular involvement in area 5K races which promote or support Catholic values. Team membership: 90.

Theology on Track Lunch Gatherings – post 5K gatherings with Bishop da Cunha over lunch – April 2011,

December 2012, March 2013.

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Bishop da Cunha crossing the finish

line at the Soles for Faith 5K Run

October 2010

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New Media/Communications Committee:

Evangelization website with event and program information and also links to numerous faith building resources

www.rcan.org/evangelization (New 2015)

Office for Evangelization official e-newsletter

Facebook page www.facebook.com/OfficeforEvangelization

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EvangiRCAN

YouTube: www.youtube.com/EvangiRCAN

Parish Partnership Committee:

Pastoral parish profile data base creation and coordination to better enable Archdiocesan ministries in their service

to parishes.

Individual consultations with parishes

Researching and compiling information on all times of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes throughout the

Archdiocese. This information was printed in booklets and posted on Office for Evangelization website.

Promotion of The Light Is On For You - Archdiocesan wide ongoing opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconcilia-

tion.

School of Evangelization Committee:

Make Good Parishes Vibrant Communities

with Sr. Louise Alff, OSF, June 2008

Evangelizing the Workplace with Julie V.

Burkey, MAPM, April 2009

Evangelization at Work with Julie V. Burkey,

Ph.D., April 2012

Keys to Reaching Inactive Catholics with John

and Therese Boucher, June 2013

Youth/Young Adult New Evangelization Partnership Committee (Y-NEP) (2013):

World Youth Day involvement: Pre-World Youth Day Rally, including video catechesis by Bishop da Cunha - June

2013

Promotional video of invitation by Bishop da Cunha

Participation in Young Adult Council and activities

Collaboration with Hispanic gatherings (Pastoral Juvenil Hispana)

Latte with the Lord – Eucharistic Adoration, spiritual talk and fellowship (café style)

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Latte with the Lord, St. Cecilia, Kearny

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Annual Men’s Conference and Women’s Day of Reflection:

The Office for Evangelization staff assists at the annual Men’s Conference and is integrally involved in organizing,

promoting and running the annual Women’s Commission Day of Reflection.

“The LORD bless you and keep you: The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha,

S.D.V.

How do we thank Bishop da Cunha, for pouring himself out to lead the Office for Evangelization forward in the advancement of evangelization efforts throughout the Archdiocese of Newark? Surely he has placed the OFE on a sure footing. May his generosity and care for others continue and increase in his constant service to our Lord and His Church. It is with gratitude to God and thanks to Bishop da Cunha that we echo these beautiful words from Scripture:

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THANK YOU BISHOP DA CUNHATHANK YOU BISHOP DA CUNHATHANK YOU BISHOP DA CUNHA

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Over 60 people attended a Bible Study Training Session at the Archdiocesan Center on Saturday, January 25, 2014, run by Shannon Civetta, Parish Support Coordinator on behalf of Ascension Press. They were also able to meet Sarah Christmyer, co-developer with Jeff Cavins of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible study program. Sarah serves as Executive Editor of The Great Adventure and is author or co-author of a number of the studies. Sarah greeted the participants of this training session and shared some insights into bible study parish dynamics.

The goal of this four hour training session was to provide assistance with:

introducing a Bible study to the parish/pastor

increasing study attendance

making small groups more inviting and cohesive

re-energizing a current study

discussion group facilitator roles and expectations

With Sarah Christmyer, Executive Director and co-

developer of the Great Adventure Bible Timeline Series

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Almost 3,000 men gathered at Seton Hall University on Saturday, March 15, 2014 for the sixth annual Catholic Men’s Conference of the Archdiocese of Newark. Both the English and Spanish tracks were filled with men excited to experience God’s presence in a new and meaningful way. The day has been described as a “robust spiritual workout”. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York was the keynote speaker and he as well as other deeply spiritual and inspiring speakers elaborated on the theme for the day, Be Not Afraid. Cardinal Dolan created an enlightening verbal montage of the ways in which the pontificate of the last three popes, St. John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis reveal to all how to live a life of faith with courage and hope, each addressing in his own unique way the soul, the mind and the body.

A powerfully moving Holy Hour and Holy Mass with Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop da Cunha and many priests and deacons brought all the attendees together at the culmination of a wonderful day.

Save the Date for the 2015 Catholic Men’s Conference!

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Seton Hall University

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Saturday, April 26, 2014 proved to be a very good day! 1,200 women from around the Archdiocese of Newark converged on Seton Hall University to attend the Annual Women’s Commission Day of Reflection. The theme was Be Not Afraid: REJOICE IN GOD’S MERCY. Both the English and Spanish track speakers inspired all to hold fast to the truths of our faith and ask God to help us be agents of His ever present healing and mercy in a society gone astray. The numerous speakers at the event delivered talks which touched on many aspects of God’s mercy. The English track keynote address by Professor Helen Alvaré entitled “Marriage, Family and Christian Hope” was followed by Cheryl Riley’s personal story “From Grief to Grace: A Woman’s Post Abortion Healing Journey”. The youthful fervor of Diana Hernandez of the movement Bonds of Marian Love was truly inspirational and Sr. Maris Stella, S.V. of the Sisters of Life moved all to a greater love and faith in our Lord. The mercy of God, the love of God and the joy of knowing God permeated the Spanish track speakers’ talks. Lilliam Arauz spoke of God the Father’s mercy in all situations in life; Sidelis Rosario told the women that we are not to be afraid but to trust that God is always with us, and Diana Hernandez expressed her joy in being a Christian, sharing how God delivered her from the world’s darkness to His glorious light. The Holy Hour was graced with the Divine Mercy Chaplet in song, and Holy Mass with main celebrant Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop da Cunha who brought great joy and a peaceful conclusion to an inspiring event. Many commented that this was the best Women’s Day in the 20 plus years of this event!

Save the date for 2015 and spread the word!

Women’s Commission Day of Reflection

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Seton Hall University

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SOLES FOR FAITH CATHOLIC RUNNING TEAM NEWS

The Soles for Faith Catholic Running Team participated in the St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy 4th Annual Family

5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 22, 2014. The team was excited that the Soles for Faith Logo was on the race shirts.

Hoboken Catholic Academy (HCA) held it’s 5th Annual 5K/Run/Walk & Kid’s Run on Saturday, May 31, 2014 along the banks of the Hudson River. The Soles for Faith Catholic Running Team had a good showing at this event.

Threats of a thunder storm did not keep members of the Soles for Faith team from joining over 2,500 runners at the 13th Annual Downtown Westfield 5K & Pizza Extravaganza on Wednesday, July 23, 2014.

St. Bartholomew 4th Annual Family 5K Run/Walk, Scotch Plains, NJ - March 22, 2014.

The youngest member of SFF Running Team at the Hoboken Race.

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Ten to twelve thousand people from all parts of the country came to Washington D.C. on Thursday, June 19, 2014 to show their support for marriage. The Office for Evangelization and others from the Archdiocese joined Rev. James Starasinich, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst, who agreed to host a bus to this important event. Among the many enthusiastic and inspiring speakers were Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Chairman, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, Mike Hukabee, Rick Santorum, and Rev. Ruben Diaz. Let us all pray that Americans will continue to stand for marriage as it has been traditionally and historically defined and handed down through the centuries.

Want to learn more about God’s plan for marriage? Visit: www.marriageuniqueforareason.org www.nationformarriage.org

Read What Is Marriage? by Sherif Girgis, Robert George and Ryan T. Anderson, Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 245-287, Winter 2010. http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155 Read Marriage: Love and life in the Divine Plan, U.S. Bish-ops Pastoral Letter on Marriage. Visit www.usccb.org to read the text and much more.

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone

Archdiocese of Newark attendees at the

March for Marriage

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The National Catholic Bible Conference theme for 2014 was Scripture: The Heart of the Father. On June 27 & 28, 2014, more than 1,000 excited attendees gathered at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA, to worship, pray and learn. The list of nationally known Bible scholars included: Dr. Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Tim Gray, Dr. Edward Sri, and Thomas Smith. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput celebrated Holy Mass on Saturday. Numerous workshops and talks inspired and educated the attendees. Mark Hart, Director of Life Teen, gave the Friday keynote address:

Wait ‘til Father Gets Home: Communicating God’s Love to a Faithless Generation. Dr. Scott Hahn, Saturday keynote speaker, shared his wisdom on Evangelizing Catholics: Bringing Prodigals Back Home to the Father. Danielle Bean spoke of her new offering, Momnipotent: Finding Peace, Bal-ance, & Joy in your Vocation as a Mother faith sharing program. The Conference was sponsored by Ascension Press, The Archdiocese of Philadel-phia and The Augustine Institute.

The 2014 Theology Of The Body Congress, held July 9-11 at the

Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia, was once again the most expan-

sive assembly of experts and enthusiasts in the history of this

extraordinary teaching! There were 700 people in attendance at this

year’s congress which also included a Spanish track.

Some of the Spanish Track participants

Most Reverend Jean Laffitte, Vatican’s Secretary of the

Pontifical Council for the Family

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The 'Theology of the Body' is Saint John Paul II's

integrated vision of the human person - body, soul,

and spirit. As he explains, the physical human body

has a specific meaning and is capable of revealing

answers regarding fundamental questions about us

and our lives:

Is there a real purpose to life and if so, what is it?

Why were we created male and female? Does it really matter if we are one sex or another?

Why were man and woman called to communion from the beginning? What does the marital union of a man

and woman say to us about God and his plan for our lives?

What is the purpose of the married and celibate vocations?

What exactly is "Love"?

Is it truly possible to be pure of heart?

All of these questions and many more are answered in Pope John Paul II's 129 Wednesday audiences, which were

given between the years 1979 and 1984. His reflections are based on Scripture (especially the Gospels, St. Paul

and the Book of Genesis), and contain a vision of the human person truly worthy of man. John Paul II discusses

who man was in the beginning, who he is now (after original sin), and who he will be in the age to come. He then

applies this message to the vocations of marriage and celibacy, in preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Some of the participants of the Introduction to the Theology of the Body

Summer Offering at the Archdiocesan Center July-August 2014

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Upcoming Events:

Sunday, September 7, 2014, 3:00 pm. 'Mass of Farewell' for Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street, Newark, N.J. Te Deum Ministries presents An Evening of Faith, Hope and Love: A Musical Multimedia Experience featuring Matt Maher, September 19, 2014, 8:00 p.m. The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood Township, NJ 08701. Tickets: 201-261-3372. www.arrayofhope.net Sharing the Faith That You Love - Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Archdioce-san Center, Newark, NJ. . www.rcan.org/evangelization Keys to Dynamic Discipleship – Thursday, September 25, 2014, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Archdiocesan Center, Newark, NJ. www.rcan.org/evangelization Freedom to Love – Theology of the Body for Young Adults, St. Cecilia Church, Kearny, NJ – Monday eve-nings beginning September 29 (excluding 10/13/2014) to November 24, 2014. Contact Liliana Soto-Cabrera at 973-497-4353 or sotolili@rcan.org Start the Conversation: How to Make Intentional Disciples the Norm in Your Parish, Archdiocesan Cen-ter, Newark, NJ. Six selected Thursdays, October 2 – November 20, 2014, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., www.rcan.org/evangelization The 2014 Critical Life Issues Conference, Saturday, October 18, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Pisca-taway, NJ. www.diometuchen.org Nourishing Your Faith Dinner – Keynote Speaker: Judge Andrew Napolitano, Wednesday, November 19, 2014. Call Lynn Gully at 973-497-4589 Women’s Commission Day of Reflection, Saturday, March 7, 2015, Seton Hall University, So. Orange, NJ. www.rcan.org/womcom

Catholic Men’s Conference, Saturday, March 14, 2015, Seton Hall University, So. Orange, NJ. www.rcanmenscommission.org

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The Office for Evangelization serves as a resource for programs, courses, workshops, and consultations intended to

complement and enhance the evangelizing efforts in the Archdiocese of Newark.

MISSION STATEMENT

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/officeforevangelization

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/EvangiRCAN

Watch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/EvangiRCAN

Subscribe to our email list through Flocknote.

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email, go to www.flocknote.com/evangircan

Archdiocese of Newark

Office For Evangelization

171 Clifton Avenue

PO Box 9500

Newark, NJ 07104-0500

Phone: 973-497-4137

973-497-4353

Fax: 973-497- 4317

E-mail: evangelization@rcan.org

Website: www.rcan.org/evangelization

Liliana Soto-Cabrera

Coordinator for Evangelization

Maureen Srinivasa

Ministry Assistant