I think it would be great to have a sign at every exit door of every church that reads, "You are now entering mission territory." Why? Because that is what our lives are all about - that is why we exist! We are sent on a mission by God (Can you think Blues Brothers?) to proclaim his Good News of Salvation! Remember what NEWS stands for: North East West and South - we are sent on a mission to proclaim God's Kingdom at every chance, everywhere, all the time. In other words - in the North East West and South. And the "Good" of the Good News is God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and all who have embraced their holy company.

We share in the missionary spirit of the very first apostles. Jesus' injunction to them, as it is to us, was "Go and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (28:19) We want to see everyone get baptized and daily growing in union with God.

One way of looking at our mission is that we enter each mass as disciples and we leave as apostles. "Disciple" means learner and "apostle" means one who is sent. So, we come to church to learn about God and we are sent forth to share this learning. "Mass" comes from the word "mission" which means to be sent. At the end of each mass we are "commissioned" or sent forth with ("com") to share Godls love and salvation.

What do you take with you when you leave mass? Hopefully it is more than impatience with your kids, frustration with others who were reticent to share their sacred pew space with you or with the music or homily or the people who were coughing and should have stayed at home and not spread their germs.

God wants us to leave mass edified and energized with the Good News. One way we can make that real is to bring a journal to church and write down what you are learning in church and what God is calling you to implement and share in your life. Bring a pen and journal and be the disciple you are called to be in church. What are the Scriptures, prayers, homilies and Eucharist teaching you that day? Do not try to get it all figured out but focus on one thing God is trying to teach you and send you forth with. If your pastor has question or problem with you journaling during church just tell her/him that you just trying to be a good disciple and learn about God so you can go forth and share what you have learned about God with the whole world - in the North East West and South. If your pastor still has a problem with you journaling, send her/him my way (smiles).

Blessed by the BEST,

+Fr. John