Discern Your Mission

Perhaps you are wondering if you are called to be a part of a summer mission project with Catholic Christian Outreach. Here are a few thoughts that we can share with you as you begin to pray and prepare yourself for this period of discernment…

1. People need to hear the message of Jesus and experience His love:
“First of all, I urge, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as ransom for all men.” – 1 Tim 2:1-6

Read and contemplate Romans 10.

2. Each and every one of us is called to participate in this Great Mission:
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” – Luke 10:2

“Therefore go and make disciples of all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20

3. You will be changed and your faith will grow far beyond what you could ask or imagine:
Read and think about Luke 10:1-20 (especially verses 17-20)

“Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20

Take some time to prayerfully read what God says about some of the concerns you may be facing…

Fear:

Jeremiah 1:6-10 | Matthew 9:35-37; 10:1-33 | Romans 8:31b | Philippians 4:13

Too Busy:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 | Matthew 19:29-30 | Mark 8:34-38 | Philippians 2:21

Money:

Matthew 6:19-24 | Matthew 6:25-34

One of the more common barriers that may hinder you from attending a summer project is finances: “I’d really like to go, but... I’m broke,” or “I need to save for school next year.”

Although these may be sincere statements, you may not realize that your heavenly Father promises to meet your needs as you trust Him. The apostle Paul states in Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Besides, as a part of IMPACT! You get to work a summer job and save for school while you spend the summer doing missionary work!

Barrier or Stepping Stone?

Raising financial support provides an excellent opportunity for you to trust God. Ask yourself these questions:

What is the ultimate purpose of my life?

What do I honestly want out of life?

What do I want to accomplish by the time I graduate from university?

Why am I interested in being a part of IMPACT! ?

What are my fears and misgivings?

How will being a part of IMPACT! help fulfill my desires and purpose in life?

How will my staying home help fulfill my desires and purpose in life?

What should I do to discern?

Pray every day asking specifically for God to reveal His call for you this summer. Ask Mary and the Saints for their intercessions. Be prepared to listen! Know that you probably won’t be receiving clear signs from heaven, but be attentive to what the Lord is telling you in your heart.

Read a chapter of Acts each day and ask :

What did God call the Apostles to do in this particular chapter?

What would God be calling me to in light of this particular chapter?

Discuss with a CCO staff member, Faith study leader, or a friend, etc. your interest in the project. Discuss with your parents, priest, and close friends what they think about you going on IMPACT! Go through the application questions.

An Opportunity of a Lifetime!

As you discern, know that we are praying for you too. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the project leaders. This upcoming summer will create a significant mark on the Archdiocese of Saskatoon and on the Church in Canada . This is a tremendous opportunity for you to invest in your spiritual life! The IMPACT! project is an awesome means of growing in your faith and sharing your faith.

What's next?