Christian Catholic Outreach: Formed As Missionary Disciples

Evangelization is a word we hear all the time. It’s also a key part of our parish mission and an idea that often inspires and excites us. But, as with many things, it can sometimes be a challenge to translate our enthusiasm into action. Even if we understand the “what” of evangelization, it can sometimes be hard to know the “how.”

With that in mind, we look forward to launching a new opportunity for people to be renewed in the foundations of the faith and prepared to share those truths with others, through our Catholic Christian Outreach small groups, or CCO.

“The mission of CCO is proclaiming the Gospel, equipping disciples to share the Gospel, and commissioning those disciples to go,” says Stacy Humbert, Director of Evangelization and Mission. “It fits really well with our ‘Encounter, Grow, Go’ mission that we have here at the parish.”

The in-depth faith study series includes five books that are completed in a smallgroup setting over the course of six months.

“The ultimate goal of it is to form missionary disciples,” Stacy says. “It could be for those who are newer to the Church, or if somebody grew up surrounded by faith, but did not purposely say, ‘Yes, Jesus, I center my life on You, I choose to follow You’ — this provides an opportunity.”

The series brings people from the foundational questions of “Who is Jesus?” and “What does He offer?” to “What does it look like to live as a disciple?” and “How are we called to share our faith, as missionary disciples?” One of the things that sets CCO small groups apart from other Bible studies, prayer groups, or small faith-sharing groups is that the groups are primarily designed to engage people on a heart level, and not just intellectually.

“This is an opportunity for adults to make a personal ratification of faith, stirring up the Holy Spirit, Who is already present in their lives, animating their journey with Jesus,” Stacy says.

Several pilot groups began last year and are now entering the phase where those who participated will have the opportunity to walk alongside others in their journey of faith. A key part of this ministry is not only going deeper in your own faith, but also being empowered to help others along their journey — both other parishioners, as well as the broader community, and eventually, all of Payne County. Upon completion of the series, those who participate in the groups are encouraged to consider leading a group for other parishioners, as well.

“If we’re really going to evangelize Payne County, spiritual multiplication is essential,” Stacy says. “That’s our mission and vision — CCO intentionally does that.”

So, who can benefit from joining a CCO small group?

“The person that would benefit from CCO small groups is first and foremost, somebody who is seeking to follow Jesus, asking, ‘What does it mean to live as a disciple today?’” Stacy says. “Also, somebody who truly is seeking community — true, authentic friendships, people who are on the same journey and have the same goal, and finally, people asking ‘How do I evangelize in the world today?’ This series equips you to evangelize.”

Stacy hopes that parishioners will consider taking advantage of this new opportunity to truly embrace the heart of our parish mission, learning and living the heart of missionary discipleship.

“Missionary discipleship is one disciple walking with another disciple,” Stacy says. “Jesus says, ‘I have come to set the earth on fire,’ and my ultimate vision that we will have people on fire for Jesus. I know what it feels like to have this relationship with Him — and I want everyone to experience it.

“That’s the big vision, to have this core group of on-fire disciples who can’t help but go out and proclaim, in a loving way, how much fullness and life is offered through Jesus and our Church,” she adds. “As a disciple, we’re never sitting still, we’re never done on this journey. We’re always called deeper and CCO is a part of that spiritual movement.”

For more information on Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) small groups, please contact Director of Evangelization and Mission Stacy Humbert at stacy@sfxstillwater.org or 405-372-6886. ONLINE GIVING: