Task Force for Discilpeship & Formation

As I mentioned in the bulletin a short while ago, the Pastoral Council has identified “growing discipleship” and (adult) formation as priorities for our community, as we move into the future. (Pope Francis, our bishops in the United States, and our recent Archdiocesan Synod have urged these priorities with the catchphrase “moving from maintenance to mission.”)
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Parishioners Gary Pokorny (who works for the archdiocese as the Director of Catechesis and Youth Ministry), Tim Sumiec, and Trustee Ron Skelton have stepped forward to start a task force which will ultimately make recommendations to the Pastoral Council on how we can grow in these areas.

“Discipleship” is a church word for the baptismal obligation we all have to live our lives and use our talents in such a way as to bring others to Christ. How can we help each other be more aware of this obligation and live it out better? While we have excellent programs in faith formation for our children and youth, we have not offered many opportunities for other groups like singles, families, adults, married couples, etc.

The bottom line is we want to grow ourselves as we reach out and invite others to make Christ part of their lives. One initiative that is being considered is inviting others to join us for the Grass Mass as guests. Watch for more information about that in the coming weeks.

We need more members for the task force. If you are willing to share your time and talents in this area, please let me know. And I ask all of us to pray for the blessings of the Holy Spirit on this endeavor.

Thank you.
-- Paul James Portland, SDS