The Plan
In November of 1992, A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States was approved. This plan, developed by the Bishops of the United States was called, "Go and Make Disciples".
This document contains a wonderful outline of action that if followed, guided by the Holy spirit, can transform our country. A plan like this cannot sit on a shelf!
Making the plan "real"
The Bishops of the United States invited all believers to: "discover ways that he or she can realize this plan in every way appropriate—personally, in the family, in the neighborhood and parish, or as part of a larger organization. (130)"
For us at The Essential Mission, that means inviting all Catholics to join together and share experiences and techniques freely. Using technology, this is now possible. But it takes more then technology.
"It takes faith"
Our Bishops encouraged us to: "Discover how the Spirit is leading you to evangelize. Search out how it can reshape our parishes and our institutions. To do this takes questioning and searching, discovery and decision. But, most of all, it takes faith. (131)"
Faith Media was formed in 2004 to spread the Catholic message using media and technology. "The Essential Mission", a division of Faith Media was started with the goal to raise awareness about Catholic Evangelization and make the individual experiences "real" to all Catholics.
To do this, we must be clear that Evangelization is not the job of a few. In fact, it is the duty of all Catholics. And even more than that, it is the essential mission of the Church! Thus, the name of our Apostolate.
But don't take our word for it. Here are some important statements.
Our Duty
"We wish to confirm once more that the task of evangelizing all people constitutes the essential mission of the Church."
"...the whole Church is missionary, and the work of evangelization is a basic duty of the People of God."
“Those who have received the Good News and who have been gathered by it into the community of salvation can and must communicate and spread it.”
Evangelli Nuntiandi
Regarding the goals defined in the work, "Go and Make Disciples", the Bishops said:
“These goals are addressed to all Catholics in our country.”
“Although everyone will pursue these goals with different gifts, no one can claim exemption from them.”
Go and Make Disciples
Make this your plan!
In union with the Bishops, we at Faith Media and The Essential Mission "pray that God's Holy Spirit will give Catholics in this nation the kind of faith needed to begin evangelizing seriously. (131)"
"We invite you to make this plan (Go and Make Disciples), your plan! (132)"
Take Action
So we are here to help you fulfill your duty. Here are a few easy quick things you can do.
- If you do not already pray every day, begin to build a habit of prayer. A simple prayer is fine.
- Let the Holy Spirit guide you the rest of the way.
Then, let us know how you are doing. That is what the Share a Story page is for. We will try to share stories from other Catholics who are trying to live the mission.
Finally, bookmark this page and come back often. We hope to have new stories posted frequently.
God Bless!
