Jesus said to his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20
The outcome of a successful pastoral planning process will be a Church that reflects the Risen Christ to others. The goal is to help people have a conversion experience so they can draw closer to the Church and joyfully share Christ with the world today.
Click here to see an overview of the Archdiocese of Seattle's Pastoral Planning Process
Jesus invites all of us to have a personal relationship with him. Encounter is about entering into this relationship through real, authentic experiences and recognizing his presence in our lives and in others.
Just as the woman at the well accepted herself because of her encounter with Jesus (John 4), we will also find the same love, mercy and acceptance from a relationship with Jesus.
Invitation to Encounter
Accompaniment is how we can spiritually support others, especially those who are struggling. It requires that we are genuinely present with them, listening to them and supporting them with the goal of helping them hear God's call for them.
We are like a bridge of support, connecting others to Jesus Christ. God calls us to love all people and accept everyone in a way that invites them into a deeper relationship with Christ. By sharing Christ's love, we can help others understand his teaching and become disciples themselves.
Jaisy Joseph, a member of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council describes the art of accompaniment. Her insights are drawn from "Start with Jesus" by Julianne Stanz.
Click here for more resources concerning the ministry of accompaniment.
1 Peter 3:15
Our faith is always personal, but it should never be merely private. The love and joy we experience in our relationship with Jesus should radiate out to all those we meet.
We should always be prepared to give witness to our faith, both by sharing the story of how Jesus has changed our lives and in acts of loving service to others.
Lord Jesus, we give you thanks for your ministry on earth, in which you proclaimed the Kingdom of God and conversion of life. We give you thanks for your passion, death and resurrection by which you manifested the perfect love of God, offering all who believe in you the gift of eternal life. We thank you for your promise to remain with us always as we faithfully carry out your mission. As members of your Mystical Body, the Church, we come to you seeking the gift and guidance of your Holy Spirit. Help us to become who you call us to be and to accomplish all you ask of us according to the will of the Father. Grant us the grace of knowing you, loving you and serving you in all our brothers and sisters. Grant that our faith in you may permeate every aspect of our lives. Help us to shed all worldly ways that we may live the Gospel with truth and integrity. Grant that we may be more perfectly conformed to you and live as your witnesses in the world today. Amen. Mother of the New Evangelization, pray for us!