Three Marks of a Missionary Parish

Welcome to the online video series on the Three Marks of a Missionary Parish.

Jesus has commissioned each of us to make disciples (Matt 28:19) and these marks show us how our parish can become a place where Christ is encountered, disciples grow, and the Gospel reaches our neighbourhood.

Across six videos, we will explore each mark not as abstract ideals, but as realities to be cultivated prayerfully, patiently, and together. Each video includes reflection questions to help us reflect individually, and as a parish team. At the heart of these discussions is one question: What might change if mission truly shaped everything we do in our parish?

Whether we are as parish leaders, ministry team members, or parishioners, this series helps us deepen our understanding of a missionary parish—why it exists, what it produces, and how it lives out its mission in practical, everyday ways.

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Introduction to Missionary Parish Video Series

This video series is hosted by Keith Neubronner, ONE’s formation manager.

The pilgrim Church is missionary by her very nature, since it is from the mission of the Son and the mission of the Holy Spirit that she draws her origin, in accordance with the decree of God the Father.
~ Ad Gentes (On the Mission Activity of the Church) #2

Mark 1: A Culture of Encounter

The What & Why - First Mark of a Missionary Parish

In this video, we explore the what and the why of the first mark of a missionary parish: A Culture of Encounter. This video helps us name what a culture of encounter truly is—not as a programme or strategy, but as a way of life rooted in relationships with God, with one another, and with the wider community - as well as why it matters. Drawing on Scripture, Church teaching, and real parish insights, this video contrasts a Culture of Encounter with a culture of functionalism, reminding us that a missionary parish is not a service provider, but a spiritual home. Designed for parish use, especially by ministry groups and pastoral councils, this resource will help parish leaders and ministry members discover how they can foster this Culture of Encounter with one another and with Jesus at the heart of parish life. This video includes reflection questions for both personal prayer and ministry or pastoral team discussions.

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The How - First Mark of a Missionary Parish

This session focuses on the practical ways a culture of encounter is cultivated in everyday parish life—through intentional relational postures of the heart. We reflect on three movements of encounter: to notice, to welcome, and to accompany, and how each opens a pathway for people to encounter Christ through one another. Drawing on Scripture, parish experiences, and concrete examples, this video offers practical guidance for parish leaders and ministries, either as individuals or as a collective parish group, who desire to prioritise relationships and create spaces of belonging, growth, and discipleship. The session comes with reflection questions designed for parish leaders to use both in personal prayer and in leading ministry or pastoral team discussions. These questions are intended to deepen understanding of how encounters can be lived and actualised in parish life.

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