Becoming a Missionary Disciple invites Catholics to recognize that ministry is not limited to formal parish roles, but is found in the daily circumstances of family, work, neighborhood, and community life. Drawing on Pope Francis's call to missionary discipleship, the legacy of Father Thomas Augustine Judge, and interviews with lay Catholics who have discovered their own call, Brother Loughlan Sofield, ST, and Father Michael Barth, ST, offer a practical and encouraging guide for discerning one's gifts and living the Gospel with purpose.
"Takes the reader from personal reflections and discernment to exploring parishes, dioceses, and archdioceses. Throughout this easy read are opportunities for the reader to ponder his/ her own responsibility for the Church's mission. Asking the reader to pause and answer the 'why, how' of the journey toward becoming a missionary disciple brings the book and its purpose to life. In today's parlance, it is both a personal and organizational GPS to sanctification."
--Dr. Hugh M. Dempsey, GCMOb, Washington, DC
"A remarkable book. I hope you will allow it to become a light in your life--especially now when life seems so fragile and dark for so many, including those of us involved as guides and mentors for others. It is pure gift."
--Robert J. Wicks, professor emeritus, Loyola University Maryland; author, The Art of Kindness
"A well-organized book that provides an outstanding summary in three areas. First, it invites each Catholic to assume their God-given role as missionary disciples, a role strongly advocated by Pope Francis. Second, it provides concrete examples of what a missionary disciple looks like through eight poignant interviews with individuals who have already answered this call in their lives. Last, it provides specific suggestions for parishes and educational leaders to assist and provide guidance in fostering this vision of leadership in our Church."
--Most Rev. Elias R. Lorenzo, OSB, auxiliary bishop of Newark, NJ
"The honest analysis of the challenges for lay people to become missionary disciples--both personal and institutional--and the practical suggestions on how the Body of Christ (all of us!) can address those challenges is a real gift to anyone who wants to deepen his or her discipleship and accompany others in their discipleship."
--Helen Osman, principal, Greater Wings, LLC; member, Dicastery for Communications
"This book opens a pathway to discerning one's life as both, and at once, an evangelizer and a follower of Christ, and the entire Church as a community filled with joy and hope, a community of missionary disciples."
--Bishop Edward William Clark, STD, auxiliary bishop (retired) of Los Angeles
