Forming Intentional Disciples series Becoming a Parish of Intentional Disciples

Sherry Weddell's wake-up call to the Catholic Church in the United States has struck a chord.  

In her popular book, she points us to the disturbing trends, including a dramatic drop in the number of practicing Catholics and marriages in the Church.  She then identifies the core problem, that few Catholics—including those practicing and in leadership positions—have a personal relationship with God that has led them to intentional discipleship.  Every parish leader should read what Sherry has to say and understand how to lead people through the thresholds of conversion.

This series includes Sherry's initial book and a companion study guide (both available in English and Spanish), as well as the new Becoming a Parish of Intentional Disciples with insights from additional leaders embracing this approach.  See all books in this series here.

"It is not the same thing to have known Jesus as not to have known him, not the same thing to walk with him as to walk blindly, not the same thing to hear his word as not to know it…. We know that with Jesus life becomes richer." -Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel

In her first book, Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus, Sherry Weddell, cofounder of the Catherine of Siena Institute, captured the attention of Catholics across the globe as she uncovered the life-changing power that accompanies the conscious decision to follow Jesus as his disciple.

Now, in the groundbreaking Becoming a Parish of Intentional Disciples, she has gathered together experienced leaders and collaborators whose exceptional field-tested wisdom and enthusiasm for transforming Catholic parishes into centers of discipleship and apostolic outreach is both inspiring and practical.

The authors consider:

• The role of intercessory prayer in parish transformation
• How "fireside chats" can help a pastor connect with his parishioners and call them to personal discipleship and mission
• The co-responsibility of lay people andpastors in the work of making disciples
• The revolutionary impact of a discipleship approach to youth ministry
• How one parish successfully fostered a culture of intentional discipleship, and much more

As Sherry asks in her own chapter, "Are we willing to answer the call and pay the price necessary to become a new generation of saints through which God can do extraordinary things in our time?"