A Vision for Parish Life

For most Catholics, the parish is the primary context in which the Gospel is proclaimed, the sacraments are celebrated and the ministry of charity is exercised.

Go Make Disciples represents an opportunity to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Archdiocese of Sydney in fresh, creative and faith-filled ways. It is a call to transform the culture of our communities by faithfulness to Jesus’ command to “go, make disciples” so that our parishes become outposts of the Great Commission, making disciples who bear fruit for God (Romans 7:4).

A Parish of Disciples

A disciple is one who has encountered Jesus personally in the midst of the Church, who has surrendered his or her life to His way, and has made the decision to live by His teaching in all aspects of life. A disciple is intentional and active, committed to the lifelong process of learning from Jesus and, inflamed by this encounter, to sharing His way, truth and life with others for the sake of the world.
It is this vision of fruitful discipleship that Go Make Disciples has been designed to support. We honour and celebrate the rich faith and good works that are already present and active in our parishes, and at the same time hear the Gospel’s call to ongoing conversion and constant spiritual renewal. It is this renewal of culture for discipleship and mission to which all parishes and communities of the Archdiocese are invited.

5 Foundations for Spiritual Renewal

Go Make Disciples sets out five foundations for spiritual renewal that help us build communities of fruitful and missionary discipleship. These foundations present opportunities for every community to build a culture of holiness and mission.

In the New Testament, we see that these five foundations are central to Jesus’ life and mission to proclaim the Good News, and our faithful continuation of that mission today can be built upon the rock of His life and mission. During the ‘Parish 2020’ consultations, various expressions of these foundations were cited as central mission priorities. As well, from best practice and research we know that while every parish and community is distinct in its history, gifts and resources, these five foundations are essential for building healthy and disciple-making parishes.

Each of these five foundations offers an opportunity to build vital communities of missionary discipleship in our Archdiocese, a vitality which will strengthen the faith and engagement of young people as well as adults, parishes and movements, and all those we seek to reach with the Gospel.

Evangelisation

To bring others into an encounter and friendship with the person of Jesus Christ

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the very end of the age”
(Matthew 28:19-20).

Strategies and Resources

Leadership

The ability to influence, serve and move people toward the work of building God’s Kingdom

“The gifts He gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and some teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Strategies and Resources

Community

The experience of belonging to meaningful community, being in communion with one another as disciples called by Jesus and sharing the joy of this common faith with others

“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32).

Strategies and Resources

Formation

Growth in faith, holiness and understanding, which enables us to know Christ better and live our discipleship more fully

“Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

Strategies and Resources

Worship

The encounter with God’s mercy in the Eucharist and other sacraments, prayer, and devotions

“While they were eating, He took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it He broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body’. Then He took the cup, and after giving thanks He gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.’” (Mark 14:22-24).

Strategies and Resources

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