Church of the Ascension

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:

1. 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.

2. Missionary: The act of going and sharing this encounter with others through word and action.

3. 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! 

• The Disciples: John 1: 40-44

• The Samaritan Women:  John 4: 4-42

• Conversion of St Paul: Acts 9: 1-22 

4 Phases of Living As Missionary Disciple: 

• Encounter: Encounter the love and saving action of Jesus

• Accompaniment: Walk with someone on their faith journey

• Community: Invite someone to be part of our community

• 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: