Background...
Two thousand years ago, the people who followed Jesus had an amazing spiritual awakening. They saw God's love when Jesus healed the sick and forgave sinners. They looked for the coming of God's kingdom when He preached, and they learned from Him to call God Abba, Father. Today, Catholics can experience this same spiritual renewal as they follow Jesus.
Jesus told his disciples, "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:19). This missionary command still holds true for us today. We too are bound to go and make disciples so all people may find fullness of life in Christ.
Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, has said: "Missionary activity renews the Church, revitalizes faith and Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusiasm and new incentive. Faith is strengthened when it is given to others!" The bishops of the United States tell us that our lives as believers are part of the story of salvation, and we are to share our stories and our faith with others.
Disciples in Mission offers a way for people to experience spiritual renewal and engage in missionary activity. It brings an evangelizing perspective to everything the parish does. It provides a way for people to grow as dedicated disciples of Jesus.
Disciples in Mission runs three years in the parish. It integrates prayer, the Sunday liturgies, faith-sharing groups, catechesis, family activities, planning, and other events into a coherent, parish-wide experience of evangelization. Parishioners become more committed disciples of Jesus. Equally important, the whole parish becomes truly missionary--key to its ongoing revitalization.