Contact:
Anna Clarke, Mission PromoterMaryknoll Fathers & Brothers
aclarke@maryknoll.org
206-322-8831
Missionary Disciples Formation Program: Going Forth in Joy
"The Church which 'goes forth' is a community of missionary disciples..." Pope Francis
By baptism we are all called to participate in the mission of Jesus whether at home or around the world. But how many Catholics are aware of this?
Jesus passed his mission on to his disciples and for almost two thousand years the mission has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s now up to us to make sure that this gift of missionary discipleship is given to the next generation.
In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis reminds us to become a Church comprised of "communities of missionary disciples" who go forth in joy to share the Good News of God's love to all, and especially to the poor, the outcast and the unloved.
"Every Christian is a missionary
to the extent that he or she has encountered
the love God in Christ Jesus:
we no longer say that we are 'disciples' and 'missionaries,'
but rather that we are always 'missionary disciples.'"
We are excited to offer the Missionary Disciples Formation Program for frontline parish and school ministers (teachers, principals, DREs, lay ecclesial ministers, catechists, priests, deacons and wives, etc.). This program will assist them in carrying out the privilege and responsibility they bear of instilling a missionary spirit in the faithful by helping them create and support "communities of missionary disciples" that go forth in joy.
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Incorporate a stronger sense of mission into your ministerial identity and spirituality.
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Develop skills and resources to better integrate the mission into your ministry and programs.
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Help your parishioners and students come alive in their faith as you animate and support them in their calling to take part in the mission of Jesus.
Four sessions over the course of a weekend at our Maryknoll Mission Center in Seattle will include the following, as well as opportunities for individual reflection, communal liturgy and faith sharing:
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Session 1: God’s Invitation to Participate in the Mission of Love
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Session 2: The Master Story of God’s Love in Human History (Scriptural Foundations of Mission)
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Session 3: The Mission Continues (The Paths and Spirituality of Mission Today)
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Session 4: Going Forth in Joy as Mission Educators to Support Communities of Missionary Disciples
Each participant will receive a Mission Resource Kit, including the book, "What is the Mission of the Church?," Maryknoll Magazine Classroom Program with study guides, DVDs and more.
Meals are provided, as well as overnight accommodations.
More about the Missionary Disciples Formation Program
A donation of $90 is suggested to cover the costs of food, lodging and materials for those staying overnight and $60 for commuters, but we understand the financial constraints on those working for the Church and we are happy to host you as our gift if you are unable to make a donation.
This program implements the statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, "Teaching Mission Ad Gentes: Continuing Pentecost Today." The program is certified for credit for continuing education and catechist hours for many dioceses. This is the Basic Program and satisfies the prerequisite for the Advanced Course to be held in 2015.
Contact us for more information.