<New Beginnings>

From Membership to Discipleship

We participated in New Beginnings, a parish-enrichment program for three Thursdays this past May. More than 100 men and women took the next step in their spiritual journey from membership to discipleship.

In the first session, New Beginnings 101 My Parish: Membership/Ownership, we learned about the difference between membership and ownership. We are the church, which means that we are a community of believers who are called to serve God by serving each other.

In New Beginnings 201: My Spirituality, we learned about enriching our spiritual lives. Not only is a deep spiritual life essential for our personal wellbeing, it also provides a firm foundation for greater involvement in our parish and the world around us.

At the conclusion of the second session, we were given the T-A-P Survey to complete at home. This survey helped each of us discern our God-given talents, aptitudes and purposes. Some of us were surprised to discover that the Holy Spirit is leading us in directions we never realized!

New Beginnings culminated in 301 My Ministry: My Parish-Based Vocation. We learned that our ministry may or may not be within our parish. We were asked to look at the needs of our parish as well as the needs of the community around us and encouraged to apply our talents where the Holy Spirit is calling us. We were even invited to create new ministries!

At the end of the third session, 83 people returned their signed covenant to advance from membership to discipleship.


From Membership to Discipleship We participated in New Beginnings, a parish-enrichment program for three Thursdays this past May. More than 100 men and women took the next step in their spiritual journey from membership to discipleship. In the first session, New Beginnings 101 My Parish: Membership/Ownership, we learned about the difference between membership and ownership. We are the church, which means that we are a community of believers who are called to serve God by serving each other.

Judy Propps, a core team member, helped check in participants.	Art Roehrl, another core team member, gave a presentation at New Beginnings 101.
In New Beginnings 201: My Spirituality, we learned about enriching our spiritual lives. Not only is a deep spiritual life essential for our personal wellbeing, it also provides a firm foundation for greater involvement in our parish and the world around us. At the conclusion of the second session, we were given the T-A-P Survey to complete at home. This survey helped each of us discern our God-given talents, aptitudes and purposes. Some of us were surprised to discover that the Holy Spirit is leading us in directions we never realized! New Beginnings culminated in 301 My Ministry: My Parish-Based Vocation. We learned that our ministry may or may not be within our parish. We were asked to look at the needs of our parish as well as the needs of the community around us and encouraged to apply our talents where the Holy Spirit is calling us. We were even invited to create new ministries! At the end of the third session, 83 people returned their signed covenant to advance from membership to discipleship.

After signing their covenants, participants blew bubbles to symbolize sending their intentions to God.	Participants gathered into breakaway sessions at the dinner following New Beginnings 301. Pictured above are Sister Rosemary Riggie and Willie Rawl.
Many people proposed new ministries. Among these are sewing for Baptisms, forming a book club, defending the Catholic faith, ministering to those in prison, decorating the altar, and creating a parish garden. One of our dream ministries, an intercessory prayer group is already beginning. What are your ideas? Why not take the next step from membership to discipleship?
Photos by Kristin Pierce Updated 7-7-2004