A short workshop on identifying who we are called to accompany to Christ and practical ways we can do so.
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Part I: Those who have brought us to Jesus
As followers of Christ there will be people that help us in our journey towards living a life in Christ Jesus. They are part of our story of conversion. They participated in our evangelization, sometimes through simple and sometimes in profound ways.
- Write the names of people who have helped you to come to faith in Jesus and one moment that person shared with you that impacted your faith life.
Part II: Those who we are called to bring to Jesus
Just like the people mentioned above have helped us to know Jesus Christ and grow in our faith, we too will be called to do this in other’s lives. God has already placed people in your life that are in need of knowing Jesus and who you can help to evangelize. Take some time in prayer to think about the people God may be “giving to you” to help them along this path.
- Write down a few names.
- Say a prayer for these people and ask God to make you an instrument of conversion for them.
Part III: Beginning to accompany those we are called to serve
As our bishop explains, just as it is a challenge to see Jesus in the Eucharist, it is a challenge to truly perceive those we serve. Many times, in our ministry with others, we go right to “the work”. “The work” is our catechesis lesson of the day, the food we give at the pantry, being ushers at mass, leading an activity for youth, etc. It is easy to lose sight of the individuals we are called to serve.
- What are some ways that you can be more interested, invested and attentive to the people that you serve, especially those who you identified Part II?
Part IV: Showing the Joy of Following Christ
In his Apostolic Exhortation “Joy of the Gospel” Pope Francis says: “Christians have the duty to proclaim the Gospel without excluding anyone. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations, they should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet. It is not by proselytizing that the Church grows, but “by attraction.”
- Share some of the reasons your faith in Jesus brings joy to your life with a person in your group. Also discuss some ways that you can better show forth the joy of Jesus to those you serve.
“Often it is better simply to slow down, to put aside our eagerness in order to see and listen to others, to stop rushing from one thing to another and to remain with someone who has faltered along the way.” (Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis)