October 13, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
For years in our church, we have occasionally used the term ‘missionary disciple’ to describe who we are called to be, as God’s people. It sounds like an aspirational term, perhaps one you have found difficult to relate to because a missionary disciple in your mind is someone like Fr. Bill Ryan, whose projects to offer clean water and a stable education to the people of Togo, West Africa, seem out of reach for a lay Catholic.
On Saturday, October 9, Dr. Susan Timoney, an associate professor at The Catholic University of America, cracked open what it means to be a missionary disciple, as part of our Fall Ministry Retreat. Those of us who heard her now know it is less about serving people in far-flung corners of the world than looking in the mirror and embracing that it is a part of our identity by virtue of our Baptism.
What exactly are we called to do as missionary disciples? As Dr. Timoney laid out, it means we are challenged to be actively engaged in evangelization, a word that may conjure up images of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart before one of our hard-working parishioners. But an evangelizer – one who preaches the Gospel and converts others to Christianity – is exactly what our past and current Holy Fathers call us to be: people who take the time to get to know one another and guide each other in getting to know the person of God.
As we continue learning how to live amid a global pandemic, as we stand poised to reflect on 50 years as an archdiocesan parish next year, this is a prime time for us to undergo this time of renewal. To hear the words ‘child of God’ and know it means both you and the homeless person begging for coins on a street corner. To reflect upon what you are doing in your ministries and how you can invite others to join you in your mission work. To focus on the person within the program, whether that be a small group we occasionally attend or a ministry we are considering joining.
I invite you to watch Dr. Timoney’s 92-minute talk and reflect on what it means to be a missionary disciple today, at this time, in this church. We are all called to encounter, accompany, community and send. As Pope Francis has said, what are we waiting for?
I wish you all a blessed and wonderful week!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Wednesday, October 13:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. William Brailsford.
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
- Mass at 7:30 pm in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help following the evening Mass. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
Thursday, October 14:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. Ted Hegnauer.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
Friday, October 15:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
Parish Resources:
- Order a copy of “Living as Missionary Disciples,” the source document for Dr. Timoney’s talk.
- Read the bulletin from October 10.
- Read the October issue of Our Parish Times.
Sign up to Witness during 40 Days for Life on October 16
During the 40 Days for Life campaign, local Catholics are called to stand witness at a local abortion facility to pray for the young mothers entering the clinics and the babies inside their wombs. Join St. Francis parishioners from 9 am-6 pm Saturday, October 16, when we will pray and stand in the presence of women who may be seeking an abortion at the Potomac Family Planning Center, at Jackson Place, 932 Hungerford Drive, in Rockville.
There are still many slots open on October 16 to stand for life. Please come and pray for the souls of those children who will never see the light of day and for their mothers and fathers.For more information, contact Right to Life Ministry Coordinator Lita Silva at litasilva4@gmail.com.
