October 2, 2003
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org
Disciples in Mission completes third year
The Archdiocese of Portland's Department of Evangelization has released
its
report on the third year of Disciples
in Mission. Disciples in Mission is the
evangelization process experienced
in 89 parishes in the Archdiocese the past three
years. The report at the end of this
third year notes the success of the process in the
participating parishes, and notes
a set of themes and needs expressed by parish
leadership and participants in the
reflection day discussions and written evaluations.
When Archbishop John G. Vlazny was appointed Archbishop of Portland in
1997
he took "Go and Make Disciples" for
his motto. He adopted Disciples in Mission: An
Evangelization Experience for
the Archdiocese after consulting with the parish priests
and other archdiocesan leadership.
The Paulist National Catholic Evangelization
Association developed Disciples
in Mission.
The preparation process and leadership training began in the Archdiocese
of
Portland during the summer of 1999.
Parishioners began small group discussions and
faith reflections in Lent (February)
2001. The small groups used the Sunday Scripture
readings as the basis of their faith
reflection. Special Materials were provided for
families to use at home or in small
groups of families, and other materials were provided
for youth groups. The Disciples
in Mission process also encouraged participation and
inclusion among diverse ethnic cultures,
age levels, and those with disabilities. At the
end of each year parishioners gathered
for a day of prayer and reflection, and set goals
to help the parish fulfill its mission
of evangelization.
The compiled report from the parishes was sent to Archbishop Vlazny each
year.
Archbishop Vlazny has led the Archdiocesan
Pastoral Council in discussion of the
needs and goals for parishes. The
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council will work with
Archbishop Vlazny to establish a pastoral
plan of evangelization throughout the
Archdiocese in western Oregon.
Deacon Thomas Gornick, Archdiocesan Director of Evangelization, noted the
themes and needs of the parishes mentioned
most often over the course of the three
years of the Disciples in Mission
process
were:
Adult Formation – "The search
for a deeper relationship with God, his Son and their
neighbor is genuine and profound."
Cultural Diversity – The support
and leadership of our ethnic communities along the
parish leadership that welcomed them
was significant to the success of the Disciples in
Mission process.
Youth & Young Adults – Many
parishioners, especially the leadership, are concerned
about the next generation present
in our youth and young adults. Participants of all
ages want "Generation X" and the "Millennials"
to experience a vibrant faith that truly
welcomes the young and calls all generations
to proclaim the Gospel in every strata of
society.
Hospitality – The process raised
a new appreciation for the ways we welcome the
stranger in our communities – guests,
visitors, seekers, the alienated and those most in
need.
Family Life – The challenges
that face today's families at work, school, and society
truly need the support and direction
of the Church.
Collaborative Leadership – Participants
affirmed many wonderful ministries now in
place and were challenged to imagine
new directions.
A key event for the parishes in western Oregon is the celebration of "Mission
2004" on June 6, 2004. "Mission 2004"
begins where Disciples in Mission leaves off. It
will mark the beginning of the next
stage of evangelization in the Archdiocese of
Portland. To initiate this next stage
of evangelization an Archdiocesan Mass will be
held at the Chiles Center on the campus
of the University of Portland. An Icon
commissioned by the Archdiocese, "Mary,
Star of Evangelization" is currently traveling
to the parishes of the Archdiocese
in anticipation of "Mission 2004".
Deacon Gornick stated, "Our Catholic community is hungry to grow in knowledge
and wisdom of their faith and to live
more deeply in communion with God and one
another. The Disciples in Mission
experience proved that the Holy Spirit is being
released through the faith and actions
of all of our people."
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