Discipleship Path
We are called by the Great Commission to go forth and make disciples, bringing the Gospel to all.
To answer this call, we believe that belonging to a parish is more than simply attending Mass. It means being rooted in the life of the Church, connected in faith and community and living as disciples who invite others to Christ.
Jesus is calling you to encounter Him and to call others to do the same. This Discipleship Path is how we, as a parish, accompany you in growing as a follower of Jesus Christ. By engaging in each step of the path, we provide opportunities to deepen your relationship with Jesus and with others in our parish and community.
Our goal is to help parishioners keep growing through prayer, giving, and service, integrating discipleship and stewardship as we follow Christ together. This path guides adult Catholics of all ages to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in their families, workplaces, and ministries. Together we can explore the faith, share experiences, and develop the habits of lifelong discipleship, following the example set by the first disciples who learned from Jesus Himself.
What is Discipleship?
Discipleship is a word used to describe the faithful who are called to be witnesses of Christ to the world. Catholics are called by God to serve as His disciples in a variety of ways—in their families, their work, their parish, and the community.
Who Is a Disciple?
A disciple is one who participates in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the sacramental life of the Church, following Jesus, loving God and loving others as they love themselves.
What Is the Discipleship Path?
Our Discipleship Path was created to help each of us continue growing in our relationship with Christ, providing opportunities to live our faith more fully. It gives us a way to recognize where we are, discover ways to grow and see how prayer, giving and service can become part of our everyday lives. Wherever we are in our faith journey, Jesus continues to invite us deeper. At Sts. Peter & Paul, we grow along the Discipleship Path through three movements: Encounter, Deepen and Engage.
✦ ENCOUNTER
A desire to grow spiritually and a willingness to live a Christian life
To encounter is to take the first step in awakening to Jesus’ presence and recognizing His invitation to a relationship. Here is where the journey begins. As we become more aware of Jesus' presence in our lives, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship. This may begin through prayer, the Sacraments, an invitation, or a simple desire for something more.
When we encounter, we begin to ask: How is Jesus inviting me to know Him?
✦ DEEPEN
A heart for God that motivates attitudes and actions
To deepen is to form habits of faith and discover how God wants to transform daily life. As our relationship with Christ grows, faith becomes more deeply rooted in our everyday lives. We develop habits of prayer, grow in our understanding of the Faith and begin to recognize the gifts God has given us to share.
When we deepen, we begin to ask: How is Jesus inviting me to grow?
✦ ENGAGE
A commitment to discipleship and the mission of the Church
To engage is to embrace your identity as a missionary disciple, formed and sent to share Christ with others. As disciples, we are called not only to know and love Christ, but to share Him with others. We put our faith into action through prayer, generosity and service and use our gifts to not only support our parish and community, but to accompany others in their own relationship with Jesus.
When we engage, we begin to ask: How is Jesus inviting me to live His mission?
Growing Along the Path
Discipleship is a lifelong journey. Throughout our lives, Jesus continues to call us to encounter Him and deepen our faith. Prayer, giving and service give us practical ways to keep growing wherever we are on the path.
Growing as a Disciple
Following Jesus isn't something we only do on Sundays. Discipleship shapes how we pray, use the gifts God has given us and serve the people around us. At Sts. Peter & Paul, we encourage every parishioner to keep growing through three practices: Pray. Give. Serve.
PRAY
Grow in your relationship with Christ.
Encounter | Encounter Jesus
Begin making prayer a regular part of your life.
- Strengthen habits of daily prayer and regular Sunday Mass.
- Attend a retreat, parish mission or spiritual event.
- Accept an invitation to pray or grow in faith with others.
Deepen | Grow in Commitment
Build habits that deepen your relationship with Christ.
- Pray regularly with Scripture, the Rosary or other devotions.
- Commit to a Eucharistic Adoration Holy Hour.
- Join a small group, Bible study or faith formation opportunity.
Engage | Live a Missionary Spiritual Life
Allow your prayer life to help lead others closer to Christ.
- Participate regularly in parish prayer and formation opportunities.
- Continue deepening your personal prayer life.
- Accompany others in their faith through small groups or mentoring.
GIVE
Share the gifts God has entrusted to you.
Encounter | Support the Mission of the Parish
Begin developing a habit of financial stewardship.
- Learn about giving as an act of gratitude and trust in God.
- Set up a recurring gift to the parish.
- Support parish fundraising efforts like the Die Kirche Auktion.
Deepen | Expand Your Impact
Grow in generosity as your faith deepens.
- Prayerfully consider sacrificial giving.
- Support the Catholic Ministries Appeal, expanding impact through the diocese.
- Support community organizations and initiatives.
Engage | Invest in the Future of the Parish
Use your generosity to help strengthen the Church for generations to come.
- Model faithful stewardship for others.
- Support long-term parish needs and special projects.
- Consider including the parish in your legacy or estate planning.
SERVE
Put your faith into action.
Encounter | Step Into Community
Discover how your gifts can serve others.
- Explore parish ministries and find an area that interests you.
- Volunteer for a parish ministry or event.
- Use your God-given gifts to serve at a spiritual or formation event.
Deepen | Lead and Support
Take a more active role in serving our parish and community.
- Support outreach efforts that meet the needs of others.
- Lead or co-lead a ministry or service opportunity.
- Assist with faith formation, sacramental preparation or parish hospitality.
Engage | Live as a Missionary Disciple
Help others encounter Christ through the way you serve.
- Welcome, mentor and accompany others in faith.
- Participate in missionary disciple training, including book studies with the pastor.
- Invite others into the life of the parish.
Ready to Put Your Faith into Action?
There are many ways to live our mission through prayer, giving and service. Explore our ministry guide to discover opportunities to get involved, share your gifts and find where God may be calling you.
Not sure where to begin? Contact the parish office. We're happy to help you find a place to start.