The Parish Community of Good Shepherd and Saint Joseph Churches

FIVE APOSTOLATES AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Apostolate of Evangelization:  Purpose is to spread the Gospel through the Catholic Faith by:

a. Identifying fallen away Catholics and finding a means to reach out to them and invite them back.

b. Identifying marginal Catholics and finding a means to reach out to them and enliven their faith.

c. Finding a means to reach out to non-Catholics to discuss the faith and to invite those interested to take part in the Inquiry stage of the RCIA.

Apostolate of Mercy:  Purpose is to spread the Gospel by reaching out to those who are in need of spiritual and or physical assistance in our parish by:

d. Identifying the Homebound and finding a means to meet their needs.

e. Identifying the poor and finding a means to help them. (note: this apostolate will not do fund raisers nor should the members give from their pockets.  The tithing fund or other committees will help financially.)

f. Organize rides to help those who cannot get to church.

g. Identify parishioners in hospitals and nursing homes and their needs and to find a means (within reason) to assist them or their families if needed.

h. Et cetera – any needs that the apostolate identifies as within the scope of their ministry and within their ability to address.

Apostolate of Hospitality:  Purpose is to be in touch with the lives of the people of the parish and make them know they are thought of and welcome by:

i. Identifying new parishioners and welcoming them into the parish.

j. Bringing food to a family of someone who has died.

k. Sending cards in the name of the parish apostolate of congrats for marriage, newborn, baptism, 50th wedding anniversaries, or letter of condolence, get well cards, et cetera.

l. Prayers lists and chains.

m. Et cetera – any needs that the apostolate identifies as within the scope of their ministry and within their ability to address.

Apostolate of Parish Life:  Purpose is to identify ways to build the community and social life of the parish.  To cultivate a family tone to the parish by:

n. organizing and facilitating specific events to accomplish this goal such as parish picnics, dinner parties, dances, festivals,

o. Et cetera – any needs that the apostolate identifies as within the scope of their ministry and within their ability to address.

Apostolate of Prayer and acrifice:  Purpose is to assist the mission of the church and in particular our parish and those in need through prayer and sacrifices.   This apostolate is ideal for the home bound, the sick and infirmed, and anyone who cannot assist one of the apostolates above.  They will be to the parish as contemplatives are to the Church.

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