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February 5, 2003

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Parishes Prepare for Disciples in Mission –Year 3

        Parishes participating in the Disciples in Mission process are beginning to sign-
up parishioners for Year 3. Disciples in Mission is the evangelization process being
used in 96 parishes and missions and in the Catholic Deaf Community throughout the
Archdiocese of Portland. During the liturgical season of Lent, participants meet in small
faith-sharing groups. These faith-sharing groups involve adults, separate groups for
teens, and in some parishes whole families meeting together. Many families make use
of the family activity booklets provided through their parishes to continue the process in
their homes. Special inserts are provided to parishes for their Sunday Bulletins, which
allow all parishioners an opportunity to reflect on the mission of evangelization. Many of
the participating parishes have already begun reciting the Disciples in Mission prayer,
praying for the success of the process in their parish.

        According to Deacon Thomas Gornick, Director of the Archdiocesan Department
of Evangelization, "We have 95% our registered households covered. Each of the past
two Lenten seasons had over 12,000 individuals in small groups and 10,000 family
members participating. In addition, over 5,000 parishioners came together in the Easter
Season to discuss the vision for the parishes." Parish leadership teams are preparing
for similar numbers of participants this Lent.

        Parishes will host sign-up Sundays in February in anticipation of beginning the
Disciples in Mission process during the first week of Lent. Lent begins with Ash
Wednesday, which is on March 5th this year.
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