Living as Missionary Disciples

APPENDIX Questions for Reflection The New Evangelization is a way of being a Church that forms missionary disciples. The following considerations are meant to assist parishes in mov ing from the practice of maintenance to cultivating missionary - focused discipleship efforts. Evangelization is not for a few but rather a challenge for every baptized person and the entire parish community. As such, this section outlines personal and ministerial reflection questions so that each person invited into the process can participate fully. The following considerations are not exhaustive, but they are intended to help parishes assess their current efforts to determine which areas of ministry are effective and which need to be strengthened. The description of each stage of discipleship is followed by questions to spark reflection and discussion. This outlines some of the considerations that parishes, schools, and apostolates ought to be attentive to in order to be a missionary-oriented community. The Soil of Missionary Discipleship The Parable of the Sower (Mt 13:3-8) provides a helpful context and insight into cultivating a missionary-oriented approach. It is important that parishes, schools, and apostolates consider, tend to, and nourish the soil in which the seeds of discipleship are to be planted. Each person receives the seeds of God’s Word differently. Parishes, imitating Jesus, are called to be attentive to the specific needs and level of receptivity of those to whom they minister. Provision should be made for fostering a culture of accompaniment so that persons are supported and encouraged on their journey. It is also important to remember that the seeds a parish plants

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