ARE YOU A DISCIPLE, AN APOSTLE OR BOTH?

Are you the one God has sent to reach this child?
Mission of Our Lady of the Angels
"The Call of a Disciple
is to Follow-

A disciple is one who
patterns his or her life
on the life of a master.

In the case of
Christianity, our master
is Jesus of Nazareth,
the Christ. What he
taught, how he lived,
the things he valued
are to be the measure
for what we believe,
how we live and the
things we value.

Baptized in Christ and
confirmed in his Spirit,
we become members
of his Eucharistic body.
Within this context, we
strive to live lives that
are grounded in
holiness and truth."
"Disciples are sent
as apostles to
proclaim Christ-

We are formed as
disciples so that we may
be sent as apostles.

While a disciple is one
who follows, an apostle is
one who is sent.

As an apostolic Church,
we have been sent out
into the world to proclaim
Christ to the ends of the
earth.

Each member of the
Church is in someway
responsible for this
mission."
"Above all the Gospel must be proclaimed by witness."
EVANGELII NUNTIANDI
APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION OF HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI
TO THE EPISCOPATE, TO THE CLERGY AND TO ALL THE FAITHFUL OF THE ENTIRE WORLD
December 8, 1975

Take a Christian or a handful of
Christians who, in the midst of their
own community, show their capacity
for understanding and acceptance,
their sharing of life and destiny with
other people, their solidarity with the
efforts of all for
whatever is noble and good.

Let us suppose that, in addition, they
radiate in an altogether simple and
unaffected way their faith in values
that go beyond current values, and
their hope in something that is not
seen and that one would not dare to
imagine.

Through this wordless witness these
Christians stir up irresistible
questions in the hearts of those who
see how they live:

Why are they like this?
Why do they live in this way?
What or who is it that inspires them?
Why are they in our midst?

Such a witness is already a silent
proclamation of the Good News
and a very powerful and effective one.

Here we have an initial act of
evangelization.

-EVANGELII NUNTIANDI, par. 21
Among the witnesses present to help with the mobile food pantry
on June 7, 2008, with their families,  were members of the
Knights of Columbus, Council 4483, from Arlington Heights.
Young Adults make GREAT witnesses!!
This Vincentian Young Adult group led by Sr. Theresa Sullivan of the Daughters of Charity
were also witnesses to the Gospel message as they served at the Mission on June 7.
"Formed as disciples, we are also sent forth to announce the Good News of salvation in Christ.

Responding to this invitation, we first need to recall that each member has a very unique role in
this mission of the Church. No other person shares the exact time and space in history nor the
specific circumstances in which each of us lives.

No other person has the exact same talents or the exact personality.
Each of us shares Christ in a way that only we can share him.
We must never discount the significance of our role in witnessing to Christ."

All quotes in this box  taken from Formed as Disciples: Sent as Apostles, by
Bishop Michael Warfel, of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Montana.
Spacing modified from original text to accommodate page.
Wait!!!  Did you read that?

Did you reflect on what you read?
If not, please re-read and spend
some time reflecting
on these questions:

How are you unique?

What are your talents and gifts?
Oh yes! You are gifted!
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Now think about the
Mission of Our Lady of the Angels
and the people we serve.
Think about their lives and how they
might need you.

We are entering into an exciting time
for the Mission. Not only is it summer
when we can have street fairs and
other outdoor events,
but work is about to begin on Kelly
Hall. We hope it will be finished by
Christmas.  Next month, we hope to
give you more details about the plans.

In addition, Fr. Bob just completed a
walk-through of the Convent with
contractors.  Work should begin on
the convent soon too.  Then he will
be able to house more volunteers
from programs like Urban Plunge and
have larger retreats.

There will be many opportunities to
contribute to the good work being
done at the Mission, and
you are needed.

So please start thinking.  
You have been specially prepared.
Take inventory of your talents and
gifts.  If your heart tells you that God
is calling you to the Mission,
we hope to see you soon!

If not, please pray for the success of
the work at the Mission.

We'll meet up later - at that heavenly
banquet prepared for all of us,
including the friends we serve in
Humboldt Park.


P.S. Start evangelizing today, by sharing
this website with your friends and family.  
We would love to  see you all here this
summer!  Come join us.
Put some joy in your life and theirs.

To become involved, call Fr. Bob at
773-486-8431.
The best gifts:  Willing hearts,  willing
hands and a friendly smile!
At the Mission, we give and we
receive.  And yes, sometimes we get
tired. Very tired. It feels good.
August 9, 2008: Street Fair
The last-minute Street Fair was great!  Thanks to  the good folks at St. John the Evangelist who brought horses,
BBQ equipment, volunteers and food to serve the neighborhood.  
Thanks to everyone who pitched in! As you can see below, it was a success!
Friends were made.
Families & friends, both
volunteers and neighbors,
enjoyed the day together.
Come visit  soon!
Call Fr. Bob at 773.486.8431