Bulletin Update - Forming Disciples for Evangelization

After covering the first two priorities of the Pastoral Plan in the previous two weeks, today we turn to the third and final priority, “Forming Disciples for Evangelization.” When describing evangelization, Pope Francis has frequently used the term missionary disciples. A missionary disciple is someone who has a personal and communal relationship with Christ, tries to follow the teachings of Christ in order to live as Christ lived, and shares that loving relationship (the Good News!!) with those around them. It is this last piece that makes disciples distinctly missionary. As Catholics, we cannot simply live our faith within the communities of Sacred Heart and Our Lady’s, but must bring the Good News of our faith to the broader community.

Goal 1 – “14 Parishioners will share their personal faith stories with the larger parish in 2016.” These witness talks began this past year, and were incredibly successful. Seven parishioners shared their joys, struggles, and journeys with Christ. It was incredibly humbling to hear their witness, and to see the outpouring of positive responses from fellow parishioners in the pews. This fall we will be seeking new witness speakers to share their story.

Goal 2 – “Hospitality Table will be held at weekend Masses at each parish.” This table will be at the back of each church. The goal is for two parishioners to staff the table at each weekend Mass. They will be able to answer questions like, “How do I register as a parishioner,” “How do I get more involved,” “It’s my first time in a Catholic Church, what’s this all about,” and “I’m having a rough day, is there someone I can talk to?” This fall we will be identifying and training parishioners to begin staffing this table once a month, with the goal of eventually having it staffed every weekend.

Moving Forward – This priority also challenges us to better form disciples who are particularly missionary in character. The Pastoral Plan Committee will continue to discuss how best to realize this vision, with the hope of putting something concrete in place by the spring or fall of 2017. If these goals and initiatives excite you, please contact the pastoral staff. Fr. John has asked all of us to pray for the vitality of our collaborative and to discern how we can best help in this effort. Happy Sunday!