Here is the outline of the three days. The whole evening is about 1 1/4. Don't worry--we keep the stories coming, and the jokes.
DAY ONE
Purpose: to show that discipleship is a constant growth in faith
Welcome:
Opening Song:
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Matt. 14: 22-33
Song Response:
Talk: Fr. DeSiano
Ritual: A large bowl is brought forth, along with several smaller ones. Fr. DeSiano says a prayer over the large bowl and water is then put into smaller ones. Members of the pastoral council or ministry team then hold these bowls as the congregation comes forth. They sign their foreheads with the water, praying: Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.
Closing Prayer: DeSiano
Announcements:
Our Father, Greeting of Peace, Dismissal
Closing Hymn
DAY TWO
Purpose: To show that discipleship is lived and exercised in communion with others
Welcome:
Opening Hymn:
Opening Prayer:
Song Response
Scripture: 1 Cor. 13
Talk: Fr. DeSiano
Ritual: People receive cards and pencils. On the card they are invited to reflect on and write two things: 1) one gift that God has given me to give to the community; and 2) one person or segment of the community that I can reach out to. They bring up cards and put them into a large basket.
Closing Prayer over basket: DeSiano
Announcements:
Our Father, Greeting of Peace, Dismissal
Closing Hymn
DAY THREE
Purpose: To reveal how God sends all of us forth
Welcome:
Opening Hymn:
Scripture: Luke 10: 1-10
Song Response
Talk: Fr. DeSiano
Ritual: The congregation is invited to come forth as representatives from the parish (parish council, ministers, etc.) form a line of six people across the sanctuary. People come forth and receive the imposition of hands from these ministers. If possible, people enter the sanctuary and remain there as they listen to a commissioning prayer from Fr. DeSiano
Closing Prayer: DeSiano
Announcements and Thanks
Our Father, Greeting of Peace, Solemn Blessing, Dismissal
Closing Hymn
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Mission #2
Based on "Reactivating Our Catholic Faith" -- an 80 page booklet from Paulist Press -- it addresses the reality of weak Catholic identity and the drop in attendance at Mass. It helps Catholics know why they are active, and gives people a reason to reach out to those who are less active.
Evening 1: "Our Need for Faith" -- the real needs of our human lives and the silly places we go looking for meaning
Mark 9:14-23: "I believe, Help My Unbelief"
Welcome
Opening Hymn
Scripture
Song Response
Talk: Fr. DeSiano
Ritual: The congregation comes forward and venerates the Holy Scriptures
Closing events: Lord's Prayer, Greeting of Peace, Announcements
Closing Hymn
Evening 2: "Our Need for Christ" -- why Jesus alone is the one who save us from the mess we make of our lives
Luke 7:36-42: A Woman Washes the Feet of Jesus
Welcome
Opening Hymn
Scripture
Song Response
Talk: Fr. DeSiano
Ritual: Guided Meditation
Closing events: Lord's Prayer, Greeting of Peace, Announcements
Closing Hymn
Evening 3: "Our Need for Each Other" -- Christian life, sacraments, spiritual life as a share in the Kingdom
Acts 2:37-48: The Early Church
Welcome
Opening Hymn
Scripture
Song Response
Talk: Fr. DeSiano
Ritual: shared reflection among the congregation
Closing Events: Lord's Prayer, Greeting of Peace, Announcements and Thanks
Closing Hymn
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Mission #3
The last three days in the life of St. Paul. A dramatic presentation.
Paul is in a Roman Prison. The Christians of the community in Rome are visiting him. He reminisces on his life as a missionary, a former of communities and as a mystic. Each is 45 minutes long. This can be done as a one-day event or as part of a mission.
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Mission Stipends
All stipends go to the Paulist Mission, "The Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association" (PNCEA)
I ask for a collection on the final evening, but it should not be less than $2,000 to justify the time I am away from my evangelization office. I will provide envelopes and brochures to explain our outreach.
Travel is in addition. A check for personal expenses (books, memberships, charities) for $150 should be made to "Frank DeSiano" in addition to the above stipend.
Missions mean I have to balance time away from the office with the value of contacts in the wider church. I appreciate the opportunity to give workshops along with my missions to other local parishes, particularly in the area of evangelization and the Awakening Faith program to help Catholics reconnect with the Church.