1. What Is ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission and Why Is There a Need for It? the Archdiocese of Detroit Held a Synod on the New Evangelization in 2016
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1. What is ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission and why is there a need for it? The Archdiocese of Detroit held a Synod on the new Evangelization in 2016. “That Synod was the ignition spark that is to set the Archdiocese ablaze. Its goal was nothing less than a radical overhaul of the Church in Detroit, a complete reversal of our focus from an inward, maintenance-focused church, to an outward, mission- focused church” (Unleash the Gospel [UTG*] Introduction). The crucial question is how does this beautiful, Spirit-driven vision become a concrete reality? Many pastors and parishes (and dioceses) are eagerly seeking a compass and map to respond to the challenges of the 21st century situation facing the Church. “A radical overhaul” will require constant vigilance and courage so as to not return to our default ways of doing things in the Church, (i.e., maintenance mode). ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission is a piece of the “radical overhaul” Synod 16 called for. We are an emerging movement focused on answering the need. We exist to transform Catholic culture and reclaim the Church’s missional identity. Our goal is to transform people, parishes, and society by equipping clergy and pastoral teams to unapologetically and uncompromisingly proclaim the Gospel in the 21st century. 2. What does ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission offer? Embracing a mission-oriented renewal, ACTS XXIX is organized in five major disciplines: • Priestly Renewal (cf. UTG Marker 5.2); • Parish Renewal (cf. UTG Introduction and Action Step 2.3); • Vision and Leadership Development (cf. UTG Action Step 2.3); • Evangelization and Discipleship Roadmap Development (cf. UTG Guidepost 6); and • Evangelization in the city of Detroit (e.g., Alpha or our own created content) in collaboration with city pastors and parishes (cf. UTG Guideposts 2, 4, 8, 9). 1 3. How does ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission do this? Based on proven success and the need for innovation, we will accomplish our work through multiple mediums: • Leadership development through coaching and accompaniment by “imbedding” within a parish team; • Equipping pastoral leaders to create a culture of evangelization and discipleship (cf. 2 Tim 2:2); • Ongoing clergy formation; and • Diocesan conferences and workshops. 4. Why the name “ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission”? In his pastoral letter, Unleash the Gospel, Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron writes, “The book of Acts ends in chapter 28 with Paul under house arrest in Rome, still boldly preaching the Gospel. Luke ends without finishing the story because the story of the Church’s mission continues in every age. We are living the 29th chapter of Acts! The ecology of the New Testament by which the Gospel was unleashed in the ancient world is the ecology of the Church today” (UTG Marker 1.1). 5. Who is ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission? Acts XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission is a pre-existing team of men and women who have: ü already done this in a parish; ü have helped more than 100 other parishes locally and nationally to do this; ü have a pastor as a part of the team (something that in our experience makes us unique); ü feel compelled by the Spirit to collaborate with other organizations (e.g., Amazing Parish, Dynamic Catholic, et al.) to accomplish this; and ü are willing to be “on the ground” with pastors and parishes as they seek to actualize what the Spirit is saying to the Church. 6. How can people help? We are looking for men and women to partner with us by praying daily for our efforts. There is no more urgent task in the Church today than moving from inward- focused and maintenance to outward-focused and mission. This will happen by the power of the holy Spirit and our cooperation with him. We need more than anything disciples willing to pray and sacrifice for our mission. We also need partners to fund our mission. Among the many things that will make us unique is that we will offer our assistance to parishes for FREE (they will only have to cover travel expenses and materials). Freely we have received from the Lord, freely we desire to give. This means we are looking for disciples who can support our work financially so that the Gospel can be unleashed without placing any burden on parishes who are passionate about renewal. 2 7. Can I make a donation now? Yes. Checks can be made payable to “ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission” and mailed to: Deacon Steve Mitchell 25363 Waltz Rd. New Boston, MI 48164 ETF can also be made. For those who desire to do this, please contact Deacon Steve Mitchell at [email protected]. 8. Are my gifts tax deductible? Yes! ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission is a non-profit 509 (a) (2) and all gifts are tax deductible. 9. When does ACTS XXIX – Mobilizing for Mission formally begin? Archbishop Vigneron officially approved our work as of December 10, 2018. As such, we are asking for prayer and financial partners right now. Because we all serve in parish assignments until June 30, 2019, our official work will begin in the late summer 2019. Want to know more about Acts XXIX? Sign up for our newsletter | Like our Facebook page * Learn more about Archbishop Allen Vigneron’s Unleash the Gospel. 3 .