As genuine disciples of Saint Alphonsus we follow Christ the Redeemer with hearts full of joy; denying ourselves and always ready to undertake what is demanding and challenging, as we share in the mystery of Christ and proclaim it in Gospel simplicity of life and language, so that we may bring plentiful redemption to God's people in Ireland (Redemptorist Constitutions, No. 20). We have identified the proclamation of God’s word to people in Ireland through parish missions, solemn novenas and scripture-based preaching in our churches as an urgent pastoral priority.

Process Mission Invitation from Parish Council or Parish Priest Two types of Mission – (i) package (ii) process Advantages and disadvantages to both Process Mission demands more time for preparation – 8 or 9 prep meetings

Process Mission Meetings LISTENING

Process Mission Meetings Meeting One explain a process mission; help people begin to think and reflect. Meeting Two more detailed description/reflection on parish. How can we respond? Possible initiatives…

Process Mission Meetings Meeting Three response to last meeting; how to widen out listening process to more people Meeting Four decide on initiatives and organise them

Process Mission Meetings Meeting Five Feed-back from initiatives received and processed. Possible themes? Meeting Six Decide on themes for mission week – nominate different groups to take charge for each night. Publicity etc.

Process Mission Meetings Meeting Seven Evaluate how organising is going; carry out publicity Meeting Eight Any loose ends???

Process Mission Meetings Mission Week Evaluation online

Working with Young People The goal of most parish missions is to have one night where the focus is on young people (both in the presentation of the mission night and the message). The goal of the ‘Youth Night’, is to give young people the opportunity to express their faith – through music, dance, drama and prayer.

Working with Young People When a mission team commits to organising a night for young people, it can often be the highlight of the mission week. Using the process mission model as described by Sean, the planning meetings will focus on the following :

Working with Young People Planning meetings What are they prepared to do?? What are the skills available within the group? Music/song/drama. Explain the format of the night. Who will take leadership of the different areas? Is there a role for everyone? Involvement and teamwork are key elements. Spread the word and invite others.

Working with Young People Typical Format: 1) Welcome and Hospitality; Prayer/Procession/Welcome Song; 2) Liturgy of the Word – Gospel story presented creatively (The Good Samaritan) 3) Interview two or three young people (What is it like to be a teenager in Ireland today? Struggles? Faith?) 4) Prayer time (Candles/Taize/Presentation)

Working with Young People Not every parish mission team will include a night for young people as part of the mission week. Why? - Preparing a ‘Youth Night’ can be labour intensive - You need alot of patience - The mission team may not have the skills or confidence necessary to work with young people - The parish may have no young people interested in working on such a night

Mission from a “Lay” Perspective ‘ lay person’ / ‘co-worker’ ? Privilege - to be permitted, to speak about God Access to people Female – this mission is different

Mission from a “Lay” Perspective No right to be involved Member by invitation An extremely vulnerable position

Mission from a “Lay” Perspective Radical It potentially witnesses to a new, different way of being Church Mere presence is not enough, inclusivity needs to be worked at.

Mission from a “Lay” Perspective Equality has to be gifted The way we are witnesses to the type of God we believe in, and the type of Church we are working towards. Words are no good if our actions do not portray them.

Mission from a “Lay” Perspective Some people find it easier to speak with a woman Female presence on the normally male dominated altar Children, young girls - ‘will they be happy to maintain, to remain members of, a male-centred church?’ Some men find it easier to speak with a woman, to be vulnerable - the encounter can be sacramental.

Mission from a “Lay” Perspective It is not sufficient to add woman and stir. Theological formation. With privilege comes responsibility, the responsibility NOT TO SELL PEOPLE SHORT.

Mission from a “Lay” Perspective Mission must begin by trying to hear what people need, and addressing that need.

Mission from a “Lay” Perspective To be informed about and formed by their faith. To be enabled to ask questions “Simple faithful” People are hungry for God. “we have brains”