Philosophy

In the discernment process, more than anything it is our desire for an individual to discover their particular Call from the Lord. While it is our desire to have a community/apostolate that is open to all, we recognize that we are one small part of the Body of Christ, and that Christ’s people are called to many different communities and apostolates the world around. Therefore, the discernment process for the Missioners is designed to assist people in discerning whether or not they are called to this specific community/apostolate. This is to the mutual benefit of both the individual and the Missioners of Christ. [Constitution of the Missioners of Christ; II.B.1]
 

A Mutual Process: Discernment of participation as a member of Missioners of Christ is a journey which we embark on together, with both the applicant and the Missioners’ designates participating. [CMC II.B.1.a]

Specific Calling: We all have a calling to holiness. At the same time, we understand that God has a particular calling in each person’s life. While we believe the call to a particular vocation and ministry is on every member of Christ’s flock, we recognize that every person is not specifically called to the Missioners of Christ community/apostolate. [CMC II.B.1.b]

A Convergence: We seek a convergence of callings. We understand God orchestrates His will and plan in a harmonized fashion – if a person is called to the Missioners, then living out his/her own personal walk with Christ will also function in concert with the mission of the Missioners of Christ. It is the living out of this convergence of personal and communal calls that will ultimately shape the Missioners of Christ in becoming a vehicle for God’s Grace to be poured out upon His flock. [CMC II.B.1.c]

More than a Feeling: While the desire to enter into Covenant with the Missioners can definitely be an indicator of a calling to this community/apostolate, we recognize that  feelings can be mitigated and directed by our own wants, needs, and past experiences functioning on both the conscious and unconscious levels and being subject to our fallen human nature. Therefore, the discernment process must be one that recognizes God’s will in the life of the applicant. [CMC II.B.1.d]

The Discernment Process

In order to avoid a “club mentality”, the Missioners have established a process of mutual discernment which is deliberate and intensive.  This is not intended as a barrier to entry, but as an opportunity to investigate the potential convergence of an individual’s personal Calling with that of the Missioners. [CMC II.B.2]
 

Step 1: Statement of Intent: Individual completes a basic  “Statement of Intent” application to enter in a formal discernment process. This application is submitted to the Director of Community [CMC II.B.2.a]

Step 2: Formal Signing of “Invitation to Discern”: At one of the three InterMission retreats throughout the year, applicant signs “Invitation to Discern” with at least three(3) Covenant/Committed Members present. [CMC II.B.2.b]

Step 3: Initial Interview with Director and Deputy Director of Community: Individual participates in an interview with the Director and Deputy Director of Community, reviewing application and learning of the process and pre-requisites to be accomplished during Discernment period. [CMC II.B.2.c]

Step 4: Meeting Members of Missioners of Christ: Applicant is given a listing with necessary information of local Missioners in their region. The application is encouraged to make contact with these people and introduce self. [CMC II.B.2.d]

Step 5: Participation in Missioners Life: Applicant participates, to the degree that is possible, in all Missioners community activities, such as local prayer groups, InterMission retreats, social events, and assists in some form of ministry. [CMC II.B.2.e]

Step 6: Completion of Pre-Requisites: Applicant completes/participates in pre-requisites which are necessary before he/she becomes a Covenant/Committed Member of the Missioners. [CMC II.B.2.f]

Step 7: Final Interview with Director and Deputy Director of Community : A final and at length discussion of where the applicant is in their discernment process. A review of completion of pre-requisites. A frank discussion on the motivation(s) of the applicant to become part of the Missioners, and a final, mutual discernment if all sense that this is a call from God, whether the discernment time should be extended, or whether this is not where God is calling the individual now. [CMC II.B.2.g]