Growing In Discipleship

Two of the focuses in our Parish Pastoral Plan are interculturalism and intergenerationality. To enhance these, the pastoral council started the Growing in Discipleship initiative. The objective is to create a space for different ministries to grow together, not independently, in faith, fraternity, and knowledge. Therefore, I’ve asked Gwyn to write in depth about our gatherings. — Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM,  Pastor

Our Pastoral Council just held our second Growing in Discipleship gathering for our Parish ministries. These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to bring our ministries together in fellowship. A time to come together to meet the other disciples in their ministry – those from other Masses and from different cultures and backgrounds. Although they are part of the same ministry, they don’t necessarily know each other. We bring them together to share who they are and where they come from, and to learn why they chose their ministry. We share laughs, stories, and of course, food and drink. All in the name of sharing God’s abundant love and spreading the Gospel message.

As these ministries gathered in discipleship and shared their paths, they often spoke of the Holy Spirit guiding them to their ministry. As followers of Jesus, it’s God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, that lives inside us, who fills us and enables us to live out and grow in discipleship. Discipleship is life on life. Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, “Because we loved you so much, we are delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). It’s the Holy Spirit who enables us to remain in Jesus so that His work can be accomplished within us. We are comforted, guided, instructed, and convicted by the Spirit’s work in our lives. This is what brings us together, what connects us in our Parish life, and in our spiritual life.

Our gatherings are also an opportunity to grow as an intercultural Parish. We grow as we understand the importance of mutual understanding and respect for our different cultures, focusing on the exchange of ideas and culture. We are more enriched and stronger as a Parish because we are intercultural, and our varied ideas and backgrounds bring depth and richness to our Catholic faith.

I found it so beautiful as I walked from table to table, listening to everyone talk about how they can better follow in Jesus’ footsteps and how others in our Parish community have touched and inspired them to grow in their faith. I was also moved by everyone’s commitment to their ministry (most of whom belong to multiple ministries) and to our Parish. Our Parish could not flourish without the commitment of all of our ministries. We are so blessed to have so many people who said yes to God’s calling and became a part of a ministry.

Our Pastoral Council is committed to continuing these Growing in Discipleship gatherings with ministries as part of our council goals. For those of you who have attended one of the gatherings, please share your experience with others in ministry. For those of you who will be invited to future gatherings, I pray that you say yes to attending. I think you will find it will be an enriching, faithful, and fun time together.

Peace and all good,

Gwyn Grimes
Pastoral Advisor
Mission San Luis Rey Liaison to Pastoral Council