On a Journey Together

In preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Diocese of Des Moines in 2011, an evangelization effort called "On a Journey Together" will launch in the Fall of 2009. This is a four-part process of evangelization and renewal being introduced at all 82 parishes in the diocese. It is expected to involve thousands of people in a faith-sharing opportunity at a grassroots level.

At its core, evangelization calls for ongoing personal conversion, or a deeper understanding of Jesus' message which results in witnessing to one's faith.

"'On a Journey Together' seeks to awaken the faith within us and inject new energy in our efforts to witness our faith every day of the week," said Bishop Richard Pates.

Press release -- English
Press release -- Spanish


Session One (Fall, 2009)
   Awakening one's relationship with Jesus and finding words to describe it.
   Small groups will gather in parishes, people's homes even coffee shops to talk about their faith.
      10 minutes   Prayer
      20 minutes   Reflection and sharing about two questions from "Jesus in Scripture."
      20 minutes   Reflection and sharing about two from "Jesus in the Church."
      20 minutes   Reflection and sharing on two or three from "Jesus in the World."
      10 minutes   Prayer

Session Two (Spring 2010)
   A call to discipleship, or a better understanding of what following Jesus means.

Session Three (Fall, 2010)
   Living in Christ through the Church and her sacraments

Session Four (Spring, 2011)
   Becoming witnesses as the Body of Christ.

Ongoing Conversation
Be a part of the conversation within and beyond your parish. Check out the "On a Journey Together" blog, moderated by Cheryl Fournier, diocesan director of Adult Faith Formation.

The centennial celebration will culminate with a large gathering in Fall of 2011. The evengelization process, however, will continue in parishes beyond the centennial celebration through ongoing small-group gatherings and thorugh outreach in the greater community. 

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Resources for Core Team members
Bulletin announcements
General Directory for Catechesis in Plain English, by Bill Huebsch
Letter to parish community
Parish Core Team tasks and responsibilities
Session time frame one and two
Blank spreadsheet for participants
Book order form

Facilitator Materials
Celebrating Being a Facilitator of a Small Faith Group Process, T. Zlotkowski
Faith Sharing Sessions and the Role of the Facilitator
Session time frame, one and two
Session time frame, with directions
Bullet point reminders
   Prayer for gathering 2
   Prayer for gathering 3
   Prayer for gathering 4
   Prayer for gathering 5
   Prayer for gathering 6

Prayer Cards
In Arabic
In Vietnamese
In English
In Hmong
In Spanish

Liturgy Resources
Season I Liturgical Resource 

Feedback forms
Core Team feedback
core team feedback en espanol
Facilitator feedback
facilitator feedback en espanol
Participant feedback
participant feedback en espanol