The Call to Missionary Discipleship
The Convocation seeks to assist the Church in the United States to advance what Pope Francis describes as “ pastoral ministry in a missionary key ”:
Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says : “ We have always done it this way .” I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals , structures , style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities . A proposal of goals without an adequate communal search for the means of achieving them will inevitably prove illusory . I encourage everyone to apply the guidelines found in this document generously and courageously , without inhibitions or fear . The important thing is to not walk alone , but to rely on each other as brothers and sisters , and especially under the leadership of the bishops , in a wise and realistic pastoral discernment . 24
The vision for evangelization in Evangelii Gaudium addresses the reality of the Church and the world today and the need for new , creative ways to engage the culture . The Convocation is a unique opportunity for the Church in the United States to advance the Holy Father ’ s vision in view of the challenges and opportunities of our country .
Landscape of Catholic Life Today
The Convocation arose out of a study of Catholics in the United States and on what motivates us to be missionary disciples . The study focused on primary emotional drivers of what is going on in the hearts and minds of Catholics in the pews related to their faith and engagement with the Catholic Church , revealing various types of emotional engagement with the Church . This emotional canvass was just a piece of a larger landscape which needs further reflection . The Convocation will provide an opportunity to examine the cultural and ecclesial landscape in the United States .
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