Becoming Missionary Disciples
Archbishop Julian Porteous is well known in Australia as a great promoter of evangelisation within the Catholic Tradition. His most recent contribution is a helpful handbook on this vital topic: "Becoming Missionary Disciples". It expands upon three panoramic topics - "the heart, head and hands" of missionary discipleship. It includes helpful questions that the reader or groups can use for further personal reflections. Archbishop Porteous reflects upon key scriptural texts on missionary discipleship. This is complemented by showcasing Australians and their personal testimonies of encountering Jesus. Then there is the journey to deeper discipleship within the Catholic Church. Locating the particular mission the Holy Spirit offers all is explained. Archbishop Porteous has a humble and conversational tone throughout the foundational subjects considered. His topics not only relate to evangelisation but also evangelise in the reading. This book is ideal for both personal and group use.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse
Chair, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry.
Archbishop Porteous has long been a leader among the world's bishops in understanding and communicating the importance of evangelization. In his new book he very clearly communicates the content and motivation of evangelization and also provides very helpful spiritual and practical guidance about how to actually go about it! This is a very helpful book for anyone interested in our Church's call to participate in the mission of Jesus - and we all should be interested!
Ralph Martin S.T.D.
Director of Graduate Theology Programs in the New Evangelization, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Archdiocese of Detroit
This new book from Archbishop Porteous offers a helpful, simple explanation of what it means to be an intentional missionary disciple. I recommend it to any Catholic who wants to deepen in personal conversion, and grow in the knowledge and techniques of bringing the good news of Jesus to our contemporaries.
Fr Ken Barker MGL
Founder, Missionaries of God's Love
This short book puts in written form a series of presentations given in 2022 to Catholics across Tasmania. The "Evangelium Project" was a series of three modules of five sessions given at the Cathedral Centre in Hobart and live-streamed to 23 hubs across Tasmania. Some 250 people were engaged in the program. The purpose of the project was to assist ordinary Catholics in responding to the call of Pope Francis to become "missionary disciples".
The series was broken into three separate modules titled ''heart", ''head" and ''hands". We firstly, explored the conversion experience which results from an encounter with Jesus of Nazareth. Then we explored our identity as believers. Finally, we explored some simple ways in which the average Catholic can become active as a missionary disciple.
The series was presented as a spiritual journey rather than a series of informational talks. Thus, each session began with a period of prayer including the singing of hymns. At the end of each session, a question for personal reflection was presented. Those participating were encouraged to reflect on the question and then share in a small group. I would recommend that this book be used as a spiritual journey, and so encourage prayer and reflection to accompany its use.
