Our mission at St. Peter Catholic Church is to “fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ to make disciples by participating in His ministry as priest, prophet, and king.” What does it mean to be a “disciple”? As Catholics, we understand a disciple to be a follower of Jesus who is still learning.
“‘Disciple’ comes from the Latin word discipulus, which means student, learner or follower,’” says Blake Vajgrt, Parish Catechist. “When we follow Jesus, we are being formed to accomplish His mission. To be a disciple means to be holistic — giving of our time, talent, and treasure. Disciples don’t give just one — they give of all three.”
Blake wants to help every parishioner become a disciple, so he has put together a study booklet for parishioners to help us grow in discipleship. This fall, parishioners will be studying this along with all those who are in a ministry or group. Blake would like small groups to form within ministries to discuss the booklet, Lord, Where Are You Going. The booklet will also be used as a sacramental preparation tool.
The book’s cover image, Domine, quo vadis? by Annibale Carracci, emphasizes this focus on discipleship with the help of our patron, St. Peter. Each of the book’s sections includes small-group discussion topics.
“Some topics we explore are, what does the image say about the topic, what does it say about the nature of God, and how can we apply it?’” Blake says. The parish will continue to share resources with groups to continue their formation as disciples.
Fr. Eric Clark discussed at the State of the Parish Address in May 2023 and at Masses how it’s easier for most of us to give our money and talents — it can seem harder to give time in prayer. So, we want prayer time to come easier and be more natural for all parishioners. Eventually, Fr Clark would like parishioners to be equipped to go door to door and make invitations to people to attend our parish. This is a step in equipping us for this mission.
Although the study of the booklets begins this fall with ministry members, all are welcome.
“The goal of the booklet is to bring all of those around you to a life with Jesus,” Blake says.
As Blake looks forward to more parishioners having the skills to preach the Gospel to family, friends, and even strangers, he recalls 1 John 1:3 — “what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
For more information, contact Blake Vajgrt at blake-vajgrt@cdolinc.net or 402-641-3872.