20 – 30 mins | Page 18
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe’ri-as; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan’a-el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb’edee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing.
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “it is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time,
“Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him. “Follow me.”
5 mins | Page 19
6 – 10 mins
10 – 15 mins | Page 19
Privately consider the following questions:
Reflect back on your First Conversion. What were you most excited about? Did you want to jump into serving in a particular ministry, learn more about a particular area or teaching of the Church, etc.?
Who accompanied you after your First Conversion? What resources and support did they provide? In what ways did they model for you what it means to live as a disciple?
Maybe you’ve never experienced a First Conversion. What keeps you from committing your life to Jesus?
15 – 20 mins | Page 9
Pair up with someone, go for a walk or find a private place to talk, and discuss the following questions:
What stood out to you from the video or from your personal verification time?
Where are you seeing God at work in your life? What are you thankful for?
Where are you struggling right now? What do you need prayer for?
Pray out loud for your partner. You can pray a prayer you know or pray from your heart.
20 – 30 mins | Page 20
In your experience of working with Beginning Disciples, what are they most excited about? What are they looking for next?
Why do you think most parishes are better at meeting the needs of Beginning and Growing Disciples than they are at meeting the needs of people at earlier or later thresholds?
How does the journey of a Catholic into discipleship differ from the journey of a catechumen who is preparing to become Catholic? How are these two journeys the same?
In what way do the sacraments “sustain us in our quest for heaven”?
What are some ways that we can compel Beginning Disciples to go deeper in their knowledge of the faith, their commitment to holiness, and in their sense of responsibility to the parish – essentially, to become Growing Disciples?
5 – 10 mins | Page 21
Are there any conclusions you have come to regarding ministry in your setting?
Is there anything you feel called to put into practice, either in your personal life or as a parish staff/team?
If so, what and how will you implement it? Who will hold you accountable?
2 mins | Page 21
Mary, Mother of the Church and our Mother, present our prayer of thanksgiving to your Son. Beg from Him the graces we need to be faithful disciples who follow Him with enthusiasm and joy. May our witness to the love of God bear fruit in our archdiocese, parishes, homes and hearts. Teach us to be God’s joyful witnesses, to radiate Christ in all we do, so that all people might know, love and follow your Son through this life and into the next. Amen.
Learn more about the thresholds of Beginning and Growing Disciple by reading pages 18-21 in the PED Info Packet. Take notes or mark any questions you have and bring these to the next session.