 2011-2012: Year of Prayerful Discipleship
Last year, one of the families’ that joined our parish, gave this reason for their choice: “We love the vibrant parish life and the focus on true discipleship.” We consider this to be a sign that people who consider joining Immaculate Conception parish think of it as a Community of Disciples.
Discipleship is the most basic call of the gospel. Fortunately, the gospels also define discipleship for us. In Mark 3:14 Jesus called those whom he wanted so that they might “be with him” and be “sent out.” In Matthew’s gospel, the call comes in the form of an invitation – “come after me,” and I will make you “fishers of men.” In both these instances, the ‘be with Him,’ precedes the ‘sent out.’ In other words, discipleship begins with getting to know, understand, and love the One who calls. Another term for ‘being with’ is prayer.
Inspired by this gospel definition of discipleship, and after much consultation with people in the parish, we have decided to designate the year 2011 – 2012 as the Year of Prayerful Discipleship. Since the parish vision statement envisions Immaculate Conception parish to be a Community of Disciples, could there be a better project than to dedicate a whole year to prayer? This could be helpful in yet another way. As we anticipate the new liturgical changes, this could be the year to enrich our experience of the Eucharist as a community, even as we deepen our personal prayer life.
In the coming year, the parish retreat, the Advent and Lenten retreats, as well as the faith formation events will touch on the theme of prayer in some way. Our school and PREP programs will make a special effort to integrate prayer into its activities in an even deeper way. The parish staff has decided to pray together more often, so that we are conscious of our work as an act of worship. We invite every one of you to participate generously in this noble vision.
Let us pray, to the One who calls us, that our response to the call of discipleship may help us to Think like Jesus, Talk like Jesus, Act like Jesus and Pray like Jesus. Through the intercession of Mary, the Immaculate Conception, may we truly become a Community of Disciples.
|
