Living as Missionary Disciples
Last month you were given a quiz from the bible based on the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke. Here are the answers to that quiz. The full quiz can be found in last month’s newsletter (September 2023).
Quote from Living as Missionary Disciples
The community of faith is a place of invitation, welcome, and hospitality, especially for those who are inquiring or returning.” Pg. 16
Parish Agenda for Today
(Addressing Modern Americans)
Father Frank DeSiano did a terrific webinar last week entitled: Parish Agenda for Today. I am attaching the link to the presentation as well as a PDF of the slides. All pillars should watch this since it is based on creating vibrant parishes.
In this presentation and slides you will learn:
- The purpose of a parish
- Marks of an evangelizing parish
- The power of the Word and how to invite parishioners to reflect on it
- The power of the Eucharist to draw people into discipleship.
- The relationship between reverence and welcome
- How to foster prayer among parishioners
- How to connect people
- Importance of small groups
- How to evangelize “registered” members
- Ways to reach out to those who have no faith or faith communities
- Reaching out to seekers
- The need for parishes to be about serving others, particularly the poor and frail
- And much more . . .
Advent
Share the richness of the Family of Parishes (FoP): For each Sunday of Advent ask some parishioners from one of the parishes (or 2 if your family is more than 4 parishes) to reflect on one of the themes of Advent: hope, peace, love and joy.
For example – On the first Sunday of Advent, 10 people from parish A will finish this sentence: “A time I experienced hope was . . .” On the second Sunday 10 people from parish B will finish this sentence: “A time I experienced peace was . . .” Encourage them to be as personal as possible.
Plan Ahead: Outdoor Nativity Set.
Every Christmas we hear people bemoan the fact that Christ is being removed from Christmas. Why not ask every household to display a Nativity Scene either in their window or on their front lawn. Outdoor scenes can range in price from $30 to well over $100. As a FoP, encourage parishioners to accept the challenge – how many households will display their faith this Christmas? Click here to view Nativity Sets
Promote the Bible
Establish Dec. 3 as Bible Sunday. Use this Sunday (or another Sunday) to encourage people to consider giving Bibles or Bible books as Christmas gifts. Display bibles and books that appeal to all ages. Have a typed sheet of stores, gift shops and websites where these products can be purchased. Don’t forget the American Bible Society and USCCB. Good translations are: New American Bible, New International Version, Good New.
Starting now, challenge parishioners to read the bible: The Bible in a Year. Begin to plan on offering Bible study or small groups based on scripture after the first of the year.
IMPORTANT NEWS
For those who started Alpha the week of Sept. 17 we are already halfway through the sessions. We shared meals, watched 5 videos and discussed these topics:
- Is there more to life than this?
- Who is Jesus?
- Why did Jesus die?
- How can I have faith?
- Why and how do I pray?
For those unable to attend I draw your attention to the session entitled: “How can I have faith?” The group reflected on this picture asking the questions:
- What time of day do you think it is?
- What could it mean that the vines are growing up over the door?
- Any thoughts on why Jesus isn’t actually looking at the door?
- If you could put yourself in this painting, what would you be doing?
- Why is there no doorknob on the outside of the door?
Alpha Retreat: If you are doing Alpha, please be sure to sign up for the Retreat Day on Sat. Nov. 4. It will be held at Vincent de Paul Parish, Springbrook. 9:00 – 4:00. Free, lunch provided. The theme of the retreat will be the 4 sessions of the Holy Spirit that are part of the Alpha course. Registration for Alpha Retreat Nov. 4, 2023
Click here for a brief 2-minute video on Alpha. You may want to show it to the leaders of your parish. Introduction to Alpha
Ash Wednesday is Feb. 14, 2024. If your Family of Parishes is thinking of doing Life in the Eucharist during Lent, now is the time to be trained. Two training sites are remaining. Click here to register:
As always if there is some way that I can assist your parish in InReach/OutReach or any area of evangelization, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
I would appreciate it if you would pass on this newsletter to others who may benefit from it.