Our discussion will focus on the vibrancy of a parish as discipleship begins to foster at the parish level. Chapter Three of Forming Intentional Disciples emphasizes how a parish grows when ‘Discipleship is Central’, how ‘Cultivating Discipleship’ at the parish comes from those who have truly chosen to be disciples of Christ, and the ‘Participation of the Laity’ is not about ‘activity’ at the parish but true ‘Evangelization’ of the faithful and understanding mission through the discernment of our unique charisms.

“Each of us should find ways to communicate Jesus wherever we are. All of us are called to offer others an explicit witness to the saving love of the Lord, who despite our imperfections offers us his closeness, his word and his strength, and gives meaning to our lives. In your heart you know that it is not the same to live without him; what you have come to realize, what has helped you to live and given you hope, is what you also need to communicate to others.” Evangelli Gaudium, 121