• INTRODUCTION •
1998-1999 DISCIPLES IN MISSION PROGRAM

• The St. Philip’s Disciples In Mission Leadership Team chose to develop this year's Lenten Small Faith Sharing Program around the concept of "Come, Gather With Us".  The bible verse - - "For where two or more gather in my name, I am there with them. - Matthew 18:20" - - will be the biblical theme for the Lenten program.  The following is a running summary of items discussed and decisions made.

• October 21, 1998 - Leadership Team Meeting

• There was discussion on which suggestions from last year's Grow In Faith exercise should be implemented.  There were concerns that narrowing of the list by the Leadership Team might result in suggestions that were the result of a "popularity contest" versus what was best for the parish.

• After some discussion it was suggested that the existing Parish Council Committees be asked to select one initiative (goal) from the DIM "Grow In Faith" Suggestions and implement in in the coming year.  It was felt these committees already had active, concerned members within their organizations who would better at selecting an initiative that would best compliment their work.

• It was noted that some of the initiatives listed are already being accomplished.  They include:
  • Rosary before Mass in October,
  • Bible Study with Fr. Larry Tensi in April,
  • DIM small faith sharing groups during Lent,

• Criteria were established to be used by the Parish Council Committee when selecting a goal.  These included:
  • Needs to be far reaching - beyond just the members of the small faith sharing groups in DIM,
  • Increases parish involvement,
  • Ensures it is not a duplicating effort (another committee or parish entity already covering),
  • Compliments the Parish goals,
  • Involves short term implementation - can be achieved within months vs. years.

• Mike Wagner agreed to present these suggestions at the next Parish Council meeting.

• November 10, 1998 - Leadership Team Meeting

• A DIM prayer will be developed and attached to the missalettes.  The prayer will be read at every mass as a means of involving all parishioners in the effort.

• November 18, 1998 - Letters (219 KB PDF file) will be sent to all participants of last year's DIM Small Faith Sharing Groups inviting them to be a group facilitator this year.  Leadership Team members will follow-up will personal invitations two-three weeks later.

• December 9, 1998 - Leadership Team will review the results of the facilitator invitations.

• January 10, 1998 - First bulletin announcement is made.  First announcement will be an informational flyer attached to the bulletin..   Subsequent announcements will be written in the bulletin.

• January 16-17, 1999 - Disciples In Mission prayer cards (116 Kb PDF file) will placed in song books.  Father Ryan will invite parish members to recite the prayer for the success of the DIM program.  This will occur after Communion and prior to start of announcements during the length of the DIM program.

• January 23-24, 1999 - Informational announcement and invitation will be made at each Mass. Preferably this will be done by a separate person at each mass.  Posters (102 Kb PDF file) will be installed in the church and school on January 23, 1999.

• January 25, 1998 - Personal invitation  (123 Kb PDF file) will be mailed to each parishioner.

• January 30-31, 1999 - Sign-up Sunday