Where are you on the Way to missionary discipleship?

"Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." Matthew 4:20

Discipleship is a journey—not a destination. It is a process of conversion where our hearts become more and more like the heart of Christ.

Wherever you are on the journey, we're here to help!

We don’t “arrive” at the end until we are united with God in heaven. This means that our entire lives are a wonderful adventure of transformation; of walking with God wherever he leads us and allowing him to draw us deeper into his light, love, and truth. Most often, these paths are far greater and deeper than we could ever have expected or otherwise wandered on our own

The thing about taking a journey, though, is that at some point, we have to start walking. And because this journey is eternal, there is always a next step to take.

That’s why we created a road map to highlight how we, as a parish and as individuals, can walk on “the Way” of missionary discipleship. 

FAQs

 

What is a Missionary Disciple?

Our parish defines a missionary disciple as someone who hears the call, consciously decides to make Christ the center of their life, and works to reorder their life around His will through prayer, the sacraments, discernment, and action.

Where did the idea come from?

The command to become missionary disciples is rooted in Jesus himself. As he was ascending into heaven and sending the Holy Spirit to be with his disciples on earth, he commanded the disciples to “go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28: 19-20). This command applied to the disciples then and was understood to apply to every disciple since. At our Baptism, we are baptized into the call to be missionary disciples: people who not only work to love and follow Jesus in their own life, but work to help others do the same. We do this not because we want people to follow some legalistic set of rules, but because we know from experience that life with Jesus is the best life there is and we want everyone to share in that joy and hope!

Why am I hearing so much about missionary discipleship now?

The call to missionary discipleship has been a central teaching of Pope Francis’s papacy. While he is not the only pope to speak on this, he is one of the most vocal in calling all Christians to be missionary disciples. He even wrote a whole book on it! For more information on what the Pope has to say, read Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel.

But I don't know anything! How can I be a missionary disciple?

Jesus didn’t call the smartest or most well-educated people to become his disciples. He called the average person. Why? Because missionary discipleship isn’t about what we know. It’s about who we know. All it takes to be an effective missionary disciple in the world is a strong relationship with Jesus. You are inviting people into a relationship with a person. Your own experience of the goodness of Jesus is a more effective tool than any degree or course.

What if I don't have a strong relationship with Jesus yet?

Follow the roadmap above to begin forming one! You can also reach out to any member of the formation department to get personal mentoring in growing your relationship with Jesus.

10 Habits of a Disciple

"Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones that these... -John 14:12

These ten habits of discipleship are key ways we grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ and open ourselves to His transforming grace; grace that moves us to seek Christ, know Christ, and become Christ each one for the sake of all.

Wondering what The BIG 10 is all about? Watch the video with Jill Fischer our director of discipleship & formation to find out!

Habit # 1: PRAY every DAY

Key Scripture:
"Then, He went up on the mountain by himself to pray." - Mathew: 14:23
Daily prayer is as essential for Christians as breathing. We see in the Gospels that Jesus frequently went off by himself to a deserted place to pray. If Jesus Christ needed quiet time to pray and connect with God, how much more do we?

Download PRAY EVERY DAY Action Card

Prayer Resources

Habit #2: PRAY with SCRIPTURE

Key Scripture:
"For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful...so shall my Word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. What we read aren't just words, but the truth of God revealed. Words capable of transforming, healing, and drawing us close to Him.

Download PRAY with SCRIPTURE Action Card

More ways to Pray with Scripture:

LECTIO DIVINA
Lectio Divina ("divine reading") is a practice of praying through the reading of Scripture, opening oneself to the inspiration and communication of the Holy Spirit. The practice dates to ancient monastic communities, but it has been embraced today as a way to meaningfully engage with the Word of God. 

How to Pray with Lectio Divina - Dynamic Catholic

THE BIBLE PROJECT
The Bible Project is a helpful website for understanding different aspects of the Bible in short digestible clips in a wide variety of topics.

The Bible Project

THE BIBLE TIMELINE
The Bible Timeline Show is a series of videos rooted in The Bible in a Year from Ascension Press.  There are other options available under “Free Media” tab through Ascension Press.

The Bible Timeline – Ascension

Habit #3: REPENT & BELIEVE

Coming in November!

Habit #4: WORSHIP the LORD

Coming in December!

Habit #5: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

Coming in January!

Habit #6: LIVE in COMMUNITY

Coming in February!

Habit #7: FOLLOW the SHEPHERD

Coming in March!

Habit #8: BEFRIEND HOLY HELPERS

Coming in April!

Habit #9: GIVE your LIFE to JESUS

Coming in May!

Habit #10: SHARE JESUS with OTHERS

Coming in June!

Road Map

The WAY to MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP


Look at the steps below. Where are you starting? What is the next step you can take to move forward on the way?

 

Grow in a personal relationship with Jesus

 

  • Spend at least 15 minutes every day in quiet, focused conversation with God
  • Read the bible regularly to encounter the real Word of God
  • Attend Sunday Mass every week as an offering of worship to our Savior
  • Participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once per month
  • Participate in various formation and prayer opportunities of the parish

Upcoming Events

 

 

Find community to support you in your journey

 

  • Seek out a discipleship mentor who can guide you on your journey
  • Join a small group to gain a community of people walking together in deeper discipleship
  • Gather a group of family members or friends to walk with you and support each other
  • Meet with a member of our formation team for accompaniment and mentoring 

Help Me Find Community

 

Be equipped for mission

 

  • Attend the Missionary Discipleship Training Group run by Adult Minister, Claire Ziolkowski
  • Attend a Called and Gifted Workshop hosted by the parish twice a year
  • Attend My Parish Matters, hosted by the Archdiocese at parishes around the area

I Want to Be Equipped

 

 

Live Missionary Discipleship

 

  • Discern your unique mission - we each have a unique call from God
  • Continue to grow spiritually through prayer and formation
  • Live on the look-out for where the Spirit is leading you and to whom He is leading you
  • Remember that our ultimate mission is to "go and make disciples of all nations"! (Matthew 28:19)

I Need Guidance on the Way

A Generation of Saints

Events

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Our Team