Jesus’ final command to his apostles was that they “make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church exists to carry out this mission in our corner of Bettendorf.
But how does somebody become a disciple? What does discipleship entail? While everyone’s path is different, in general, there are three phases on the path to discipleship. Discipleship begins with an initial encounter with Jesus Christ, it continues as we grow in our knowledge and love of the Lord, and it leads us to respond to the Gospel call to serve God and our neighbor.
At its very simplest, discipleship means intentionally cultivating habits that draw you ever closer to Jesus Christ and his Church. Our Lady of Lourdes wants to be a place where you can learn these habits!
Prayer
A disciple knows how to pray and is committed to spending time in prayer every day. In addition to personal prayer, a disciple recognizes the importance of joining together with the community for the Mass every Sunday.
Study
A disciple has a hunger to learn more about their faith. They actively seek out opportunities to learn. A disciple has a love for Sacred Scripture, and spends time in the Word on their own and with others.
Service
A disciple knows that every member of the Body of Christ has gifts to share and is regularly involved in service to their parish (ministry) and to the broader community (mission). A disciple practices the Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy and finds joy in serving others.
Sacraments
A disciple actively participates in the Sacramental life of the Church, especially the Holy Eucharist and Confession. A disciple lives out the call to holiness through their vocation.
Evangelization
A disciple understands the Good News they have received in Jesus Christ and has a desire to share it with others. A disciple knows how to share their faith with love and confidence.
Giving
A disciple gives sacrificially, first to their parish, and then to other charitable organizations aligned with their Christian values. A disciple makes conscious, intentional decisions about putting their time, talent, and treasure to good use.