Pope Francis in the Joy of the Gospel encourages a new look at who we are: "In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples (cf. Mt 28:19). ...Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are “disciples” and “missionaries”, but rather that we are always “missionary disciples”." (Para 120)
Click here for opportunities to discover and grow as a Missionary Disciple
"Living as Missionary Disciples"
This video introduces how we are all called to be a "Missionary Disciple" and how we will promote Living As Missionary Disciples at Ascension:
Our journey of discovery will be broken up into four quarters in the 20-21 liturgical year: Encounter, Accompaniment, Community, and Send. During each quarter the activities of the New Evangelization Team, Stewardship, Adult Faith Formation, Liturgy, and Community Life will focus on that particular area.
Definition: A missionary disciple has encountered Jesus’s love and goes to share His love through word and/or action with whomever they meet and in whatever circumstances they find themselves.
Three movements of a Missionary Disciple:
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Disciple: We experience and foster a personal encounter with Jesus - sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening and learning, which then propels the disciple to mission.
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Missionary: The act of going and sharing this encounter with others through word and action.
- Steward: As a Missionary Disciple we are responsible guardians in caring for the gifts that God has given us and are open to sharing them.
We encounter – we go- we share!
Scriptural Images of Missionary Disciples: In each story, an encounter with Jesus leads to a proclamation of Jesus to others!
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The Disciples: John 1: 40-44
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The Samaritan Women: John 4: 4-42
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Conversion of St Paul: Acts 9: 1-22
4 Phases of Living As Missionary Disciple:
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Encounter: Encounter the love and saving action of Jesus
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Accompaniment: Walk with someone on their faith journey
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Community: Invite someone to be part of our community
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Send: Share God's love with others through Works of Mercy
The journey of a Missionary Discipleship begins with encounter and encounter begins with Jesus Christ!
Encounter Opportunities at Ascension
View the Encountering Christ through Prayer presentations
Watch this video on the importance of Encounter: