One pastor told his parish that a mission "was a time for special grace as we come together in a more structured way and make ourselves available to the graces God gives among us as we celebrate and reflect on our shared lives and faith in God." So, a mission is as much about a parish being together for a little longer-than-normal period of time as it is about a guest speaker and their message.

Parish missions (or any other name) can be times for:

• Reflection and prayer
• Celebration
• Renewal and recommitment
• Catechesis or formation
• Outreach and growth

 

Mike focuses his speaking ministry around the values of affirmation, challenge and encouragement:

Affirmation: that Christ IS risen; that God is now (still) here; that holiness is approachable
Challenge: to keep faith alive and active in a busy culture through everyday practices
Encouragement: to keep being a “practicing” Catholic.

 

Mike provides:

• Advance planning resources, including “best practices” from other parishes in regards to publicity, liturgy/prayer, hospitality, follow-through, etc.
• Speaking at weekend masses prior to the mission’s start on the scriptures with an invitation to parishioners to attend the mission. 
• Usually three evening services with scripture, presentation/message, music, and one optional (daytime) presentation each day of the mission.

Examples of daytime presentations include:

• Staff presentation/morning of reflection (motivation)
• Junior high or high school assembly
• A shorter morning re-cap of the mission content for those unable to attend in the evening
• A catechist workshop
• Meeting with youth group or confirmandi