Dynamic Discipleship
"The Missionary Mandate. 'Having been divinely sent to the nations that she might be "the universal sacrament of salvation," the Church, in obedience to the command of her founder and because it is demanded by her own essential universality, strives to preach the Gospel to all... Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and [know], I am with you always, until the close of the age." - Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 849
Disciples of Jesus at St. Thomas the Apostle:
BELIEVE
In Jesus, true God and true Man, who came to save all people
“Sooner or later we have to face our true self and let the Lord enter.” - Pope Francis, Rejoice and Be Glad
GROW
In relationship with Jesus Christ
“Unless you let him warm you more and more with his love and tenderness you will not catch fire.” - Pope Francis, Rejoice and Be Glad
GATHER
To celebrate Jesus in the Sacraments and in our parish life
“I do not have to carry alone what in truth, I could never carry alone.” - Pope Francis, Rejoice and Be Glad
LOVE
All others as Jesus loves
“Jesus warns us that the path He proposes goes against the flow, even making us challenge society by the way we live.” - Pope Francis, Rejoice and Be Glad
LEAD
Others to Jesus through each and every encounter
“Celebrate every small victory, every step forward in the work of evangelization.” - Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel
To be a parish that is living out the command of Jesus, we each must continually ask ourselves:
What is a disciple?
How are we [am I] making disciples?
Is our [my own] way working?
Watch the Discipleship Formation Retreat from 10.30.19 at St. Thomas to learn more:
WHY?
Why do you believe in Jesus? Why do you worship God? Why are you a Christian Catholic?
We are witnesses to the single most important and needed reality, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How can we better appreciate this all-important Good News and the task to share it?
Consider 'why' you do these things over and over, and your will arrive at the fire burning within you that is the presence of Jesus Christ in your life. Ask yourself: Why?