Missionaries of the Gospel

APOSTOLATE

History | Mission | Apostolate / Work | Charism | Spirituality

The apostolate or work of the sisters (and hopefully in time- the brothers and priests) is as follows:

Evangelisation- helping people to encounter Christ and his saving message, in a personal way, in different forums (whether we are on the streets, outdoors on a pilgrimage or a camping trip with young people, teaching in a classroom etc.) and using creative means (plays, concerts etc.).

Formation - helping people to discover and live out their dignity- who man is (theologically, philosophically, anthropologically, personally etc.) and what he is called to. Some examples are as follows:

Faith formation programs (e.g. Scripture, Catechesis, Church History);
Working with people of other faiths (ecumenical activity);
Spiritual formation programs (spiritual direction, retreats, youth conferences, chaplaincy in schools, adoration and prayer in smaller communities that meet regularly like the JPII Rosary groups etc.);
Courses to help people understand their dignity and vocation e.g. marriage preparation, a dignity museum, working with women towards a ‘new feminism’ etc. This includes workshops where people can study and integrate the wisdom found in JPII’s many writings (not just ‘theology of the body’).
Healing retreats & psychotherapy.

Building Community - whether a person is a mother at home with her children, or a worker in an isolated location, or a person in prison etc. we seek to help them learn how to enter more fully into, communion with God and others. We are called to help build places where people will feel supported/accepted and able to be themselves as they strive to realise their dignity and live the Gospel. Ultimately this is the process of building the Church, uniting all men and women under the one Kingship (Jn 17:21). It also means helping to build families who are the domestic church, and other groups (e.g. for prayer, study, healing) that can help facilitate formation of the person at every level.

The Missionaries of the Gospel who may not be involved in the apostolate directly (including the lay members, consecrated virgins, diocesan priests), will never-the-less endeavor to live out this charism in their lives.