"The Church which 'goes forth' is a community of missionary disciples who take the first step, who are involved and supportive, who bear fruit and rejoice." (The Joy of the Gospel, 24)
St. Paul reminds the faithful that “A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough” (Galatians 5:9). As Christians, we must be like leaven, carrying the love and joy of Christ to the world, especially where no one else will go.
The love and joy that nurtures us through the encounter of Christ ought to transform the world through our presence and work. We, like yeast thrown into dough, must be conduits of the animation of the Holy Spirit, allowing God’s grace to transform the world in us and through us!
A community of missionary disciples embrace the LEAVEN strategic priorities as followers of Christ.
Missionary disciples nurture a relationship with Jesus Christ and seek opportunities to share the joy that comes from that relationship, captivating hearts that yearn for more, and warmly drawing others into an encounter of Christ. Forming a community of missionary disciples involves intentional focus, an openness to dream, and trust in the Holy Spirit as the instigator of discipleship. Consider the resources below as you strategize how to draw others to Christ in love, stewardship, and with a focus outward.
This assessment, adapted from the work of Marcel LeJeune and Catholic Missionary Disciples, offers questions under 10 themes for parishes to prayerfully discern and respond to in light of forming missionary disciples.
Missionary Disciples must become masterful storytellers in proclaiming the gospel (in word and deed) to those who long for more. The following resources can be used as tools to help develop a faith story and articulate that with joy and passion. This material can be utilized in a group setting or individually.
Telling Your Story: The Joyfully Captivating Missionary Disciple
Porters of the Faith is a formative and adaptable resource from the Office of Missionary Discipleship that parish communities can utilize to discern their own needs and, working collectively, strategize pastoral responses to best serve the people of their community. Porters of the Faith can be used and adapted to re-focus a particular vision for a faith community. Each of the sessions offers a narrative with questions throughout. These questions can fuel discernment, prayer and conversation.
Following the four sessions are brief strategy worksheets that promote a lens through which to develop a vision that enhances pastoral plans and formation. Specifically, these worksheets encourage individuals and groups to consider strengths and challenges that exist in a community, as well as identify both gaps that exist and areas to build and enhance in ministry and formation.
Child & Youth Protection
Our promise to protect, our pledge to heal.
To report an abuse, please contact local law enforcement and:
Kathleen McComb, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Response Services – 216-334-2999
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