Through our Baptism we are all called to be missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.  In other words, we are all called to reflect the Love of God in the world, to grow in our faith through prayer, the Mass, and life in the Church, and to bring others to God.  The Office of Missionary Discipleship supports priests, parish staff and the lay faithful in deepening our commitment to the New Evangelization, spreading the word of God through new methods, different approaches and with even greater enthusiasm. 

Each Baptized member of the Church is called to consider how they can best be missionary disciples, and how then how to prepare themselves to respond to God’s call.  All that we do as disciples must be rooted in prayer and so, with this in mind, we offer this reading and prayer:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed?  And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone to preach?  And how can people preach unless they are sent? – Romans 10:13-15

Heavenly Father,

Pour forth your Holy Spirit to inspire us with these words from Holy Scripture, so that we might be strengthened to go forth and witness to the Gospel in our daily lives through our words and actions.

Give us the grace that we might hear the call of the New Evangelization to deepen our faith, grow in confidence to proclaim the Gospel and boldly witness to the saving grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.

In moments of hesitation, remind us:  If not me, then who will proclaim the Gospel?  If not now, then when will the Gospel be proclaimed?  If not the truth of the Gospel, then what shall I proclaim? 

O Mary, our Immaculate Mother, pray for us.  May we be inspired to imitate your example as the first disciple of your son, Jesus, who is Lord for ever and ever.

Amen.

Mary, Star of the New Evangelization,  pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us.
St. John Paul II,  pray for us.

(Adapted from the USCCB “Prayer for the New Evangelization”)