The Evangelizing Parish
The Archdiocese of Atlanta seeks to fulfill the Great Commission of Evangelization that Jesus gave us:
“Go and make disciples of all nations”
Matthew 28:19
I dream of a “missionary option,” that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.
(Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, no. 27)
This website adopts the agricultural process to illustrate a possible path to become an evangelizing, mission-oriented parish, focused on forming intentional disciples that will fulfill Christ’s Great Commission in today’s post-Christian world. “The parish is a privileged place where the faithful concretely experience the Church” (John Paul II, Ecclesia in America, no. 41). It is also where deeper evangelization and constant renewal are required. Every parish is called to respond to the times and to develop a suitable road of discipleship, with new methods for the proclamation of the Gospel that will awaken conversion and an evangelizing zeal.
The process proposed to become an evangelizing parish does not present a “one-size-fits-all" approach; it offers instead an understanding of a possible journey, and resources to guide the discipleship efforts of the parishes in our Archdiocese. The phases of this path can also be paralleled with those areas that many of the parishes in the Archdiocese of Atlanta are already advancing, in response to the 2015 Pastoral Plan: Knowing, Living and Sharing the Faith.
An introductory video explaining how to use this website.
“The parish is not an outdated institution; precisely because it possesses great flexibility, it can assume quite different contours depending on the openness and missionary creativity of the pastor and the community. The parish is the presence of the Church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God's word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration. In all its activities the parish encourages and trains its members to be evangelizers."
(Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, no. 28)
Till the Soil
Evangelization and discipleship efforts begin with prayer, vision and a change in parish culture. Trust must be built through authentic hospitality, personal invitation, listening and acceptance.
Sow the Seed
This step focuses on the proclamation of the Kerygma, answers to questions, sharing testimonies, and forming authentic friendships.
Germination
Helping people to remove roadblocks to continued growth and commitment to Christ.
Tend the Vine
This step is focused on building disciples in faith by using systematic catechesis and accountability from other disciples.
