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 to discover and grow as a Missionary Disciple
"Living as Missionary Disciples"
We are all called to be a "Missionary Disciple"
We must promote Living As Missionary Disciples at Ascension:
Defining Missionary Disciple
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:
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.
Missionary: The act of going and sharing this encounter with others through word and action.
We encounter – we go- we share!
Scriptural Images of Missionary Disciples:
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:
