What is a parish mission?

A parish mission is a special event in Catholic communities, usually lasting several days aimed at deepening the faith and spiritual life of parishioners. It is typically hosted by a parish and led by a speaker who focus on themes like renewal, repentance, conversion, and the love of God. The theme of our parish mission this year is Church Fully Alive and it will be led by Joe Farris with Lee Roessler providing music.

Parish missions include elements such as:

1. Daily Preaching or Talks: Centered around scripture, Catholic teachings, or specific themes, like forgiveness, prayer, or the sacraments.
2. Prayer and Worship: There might be communal prayers, hymns, and devotions.
3. Fellowship: Time for the community to come together in fellowship, sharing hospitality and discussion.
4. Spiritual Growth Activities: Encouragement to deepen personal faith through reflection, service, or greater involvement in parish life.

The goal of a parish mission is to renew and invigorate the faith of individuals and the community, helping participants reconnect with their spiritual lives in a meaningful way. It’s often an inspiring and transformative experience.

Who is Joe Farris? https://www.joefarris.org/

Joe Farris has been spending time with Catholic audiences all over North America for the past 25+ years with a consistent message of inspiration and hope. He has been called an eclectic blend of storyteller, comedian, and motivator. His most important work is 28 years of marriage to his wife Ashley and his 6 incredible children.

As an experienced and esteemed public speaker, Joe Farris aims to deliver education, inspiration and entertainment to a variety of audiences. He makes every event a memorable experience, placing a large emphasis on delivering actionable content.

Joe currently serves as pastoral associate at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic parish in Pinehurst, NC while continuing to speak around the country on a limited basis. Members of our community met Joe while he served as the director and keynote speaker at the youth mission trip in Michigan in 2023. The teens and adults were all very impressed with his message and delivery and we are very excited to welcome him to St. John XXIII.

Who is Lee Roessler? https://youtu.be/z985VzdnOAY?si=KTybBZFbIvZxGXKP

Lee Roessler is a Catholic singer/songwriter who travels the country leading worship and concerts at camps, parishes, rallies and retreats. For the last 13 years, he has been one of the musicians at Catholic Heart Workcamp where our teens and adults have been privileged to participate in. His life can be summed up in the words he lives by, “Your will, O Lord, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.”

What will happen during the parish mission at St. John XXIII?

For three nights, Joe and Lee will inspire us through talks, prayer, and praise and worship music to be a Church Fully Alive. They will help us explore three questions:

• How are you with God?
• How are you with your neighbor?
• How are you with the crosses that God has trusted you to carry?

On Monday evening, we will have a “family friendly” session so bring the kiddos! Lee will lead us in praise and worship music, then our younger ones (K-4^th grade) will have the chance to do their own activities while Mom, Dad and the rest of us hear a little more from Joe and Lee.

The final night on Tuesday, we will be sent forth to carry out the mission to be a Church Fully Alive, exploring how to do so by a ministry fair of all the different ways to do so at our own parish and beyond.

In addition to the evening talks, Joe will lead us in “Lunch and Learn” on Monday and Tuesday at noon for anyone who missed the evening session or who just wants to go deeper. Bring your own bag lunch!