AUBURN

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn is offering a free series of four workshops entitled “Becoming a Missionary Disciple,” exploring what it means to be a missionary disciple and how to begin living as one.

Each workshop will be held at St. Philip Church, located on 2365 Turner Road in Auburn, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Workshops will take place on Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2 and Jan. 6.

Here are the full descriptions for the workshops:

Oct. 7: Understanding God’s Plan

The Catechism of the Catholic Church begins with the confident declaration that God has a master plan. Understanding this plan can help us see everything in creation in its vital and eternal context. This workshop will present a sweeping survey of the Scriptures, highlighting those precious passages that invite us to discover the amazing, grace filled goal that God has for each one of us.

Nov. 4: Entering into God’s Plan

After gaining a better understanding of what God’s plan is, we find ourselves wanting more than ever to be able to enter into it as fully as possible. Jesus promised abundant life to us, graced with true hope, real peace, and profound joy. What can we do to truly begin to enter into that promised life and learn to continually grow in it? In this workshop, participants will explore the amazing graces that are available through the sacraments and discover simple daily practices that can help enter the freedom of living as God’s own children.

Dec. 2: Sharing God’s Plan

A vital part of God’s plan is that his people shall become “the light of the world,” bringing his love to the world, showing his compassion, and proclaiming the Good News of his plan. How can we do that? How do we begin? What can we say to strangers? How do we talk to our own children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters who have stopped practicing the faith? It is possible. Participants will spend this day learning practical, powerful ways to draw people to Jesus.

Jan. 6: Living with a Mission

The last workshop will focus on ways participants can learn to make the mission of being an ‘ambassador of Christ’ a priority in their lives by examining how small groups can be used to reach out to friends and neighbors.

For more information or to register for the workshops, contact Don Smith at donald.smith@portlanddiocese.org or call (207) 782-8096, ext. 1202.