The Foundational Principles of a Missionary Parish
A parish can provide intentional and effective ministry that creates disciples when its work is informed by two processes: the Process of Evangelization and the Process of Discipleship.
The Process of Evangelization & Discipleship Diagram
Illustrating the Journey Towards Missionary Discipleship
Stages
The Process of Evangelization
These stages comprise the ecclesial process through which the Gospel is proclaimed, and the Church meets the needs of people where they are and facilitates progression along the journey of discipleship.
Accompaniment and Prayer Through All Stages
No matter where a person is along the discipleship path, there are two constants in our ministry to them: accompaniment and prayer.
Pre-evangelization
The initial and still incomplete stage of evangelization that stimulates an interest in the faith and disposes one to receive the Gospel proclamation.
First Proclamation
The proclamation of the saving message of who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Initiatory Catechesis
The stage that lays the basis for the Christian life of the followers of Jesus. It corresponds to the period of the catechumenate and purification & illumination in the catechumenal process.
Perfective Catechesis
In this stage, the baptized, assisted by multiple forms of ongoing education in the faith, seek to realize the desire of Christ: “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Missionary Initiation
This stage forms believers for mission, accompanying them in the maturation of attitudes of faith and making them aware that they are missionary disciples, called to participate actively in the proclamation of the Gospel and to make the Kingdom of God present in the world.
Kerygmatic Catechesis
A catechesis that is simultaneously Good News and that highlights the truth, goodness, and beauty in everything we believe and do as Catholics in possession of a saving message.
Thresholds and Decision Points
The Process of Discipleship
These Thresholds and Decision Points mark the typical progression of the seeker’s journey from Pre-Trust to Missionary Discipleship.
Pre-trust
Someone in this threshold either lacks or is unaware of any bridges of positive association with Jesus, a follower of Jesus, or something Christian.
Trust
Someone in this threshold has at least one positive association with something Christian.
Curiosity
Someone in this threshold has had his interest piqued regarding something Christian. He is suddenly aware of a new way to live and believe.
Openness
Someone in this threshold is able to admit to God and to themselves that they are open to the possibility of personal and spiritual change.
Active Seeking
Someone in this threshold is on an overt, spiritual quest to resolve the final barriers that prevent a commitment to a personal relationship with Jesus.
First Conversion
This is the first Decision Point on the path of discipleship, the moment when a person says, “I believe in Jesus. I want a personal relationship with Him. I repent of my sin. I’m ready to live according to Jesus’ will for me.”
Beginning Disciple
Someone in this threshold is new to the life of discipleship. He has decided for Jesus, but now what?
Growing Disciple
Someone in this threshold is ready to go deeper in his knowledge, spirituality, quest for holiness, and responsibility in the parish.
Commissioning
This is the second Decision Point on the path of discipleship. It is both a commissioning (a sending forth) and a co-missioning (a “being on mission with” the Church and the Holy Spirit).
Missionary Disciple
Someone in this threshold is “on mission.” His focus is not so much on himself as it is on the soul of the other – and when his focus is on himself, it is so that he can better serve the other.
Ready to take the next step?
