Overview of Mission Stages

Every mission goes through a cycle of events which we call stages, and every mission kit equips the user with all the necessary tools for each stage. There are four natural stages: planning for the mission, training the missionaries, doing the mission itself and following up after the mission. We call these stages Gear-Up, Base Camp, Mission-On and Summit Dispatch.

Let us look at them in more detail.

Gear-Up

This PREPARATORY STAGE is the behind-the scenes work done to promote the mission and make it happen. It encompasses the following:

  • Communication Plan: Gaining approval from the proper authorities.
  • Promotion Plan for the Mission: This ensures adequate marketing of the mission to all target audiences.
  • Recruitment & Core Team Training: This includes personal invites and conducting special formation for the leaders.
  • Logistical Planning: This includes securing a location, developing and reviewing the schedule, purchasing supplies, food, lodging, etc.
  • Facility/Event Planning: Set up for the mission.

Base Camp

During this TRAINING STAGE, the missionaries arrive, are greeted, trained and commissioned to go on the mission. The Core Team members along with the Mission Director conduct this training. The following elements are present during every Gear-Up stage:

  1. Welcoming & Registration
  2. R.E.A.L. Training

    RELATE TO OTHERS
    • Discussion of why participants came on the mission
    • Activities for missionaries to get to know one another

    ENCOUNTER CHRIST
    • Meditations, Spiritual Motivations, Availability of Sacraments

    ACT THE PART (Training in being a missionary)
    • Norms of Behavior, Missionary Convictions, Uniform Explanation
    • Skills for Interaction: Working Person-to-Person, Effective Listening, Conflict Response
    • Training in Mission Activities: Skits, Conducting a Gospel Reflection
    • Game

    LEARN THE FAITH
    • Specific Virtue for each mission
    • Catholic Apologetics course - Doctrine/Apologetic formation specific to the mission or time of year
    • Sending Forth Commissioning

Mission On

During the ACTUAL MISSION itself, the missionaries are given the direction and support to actually complete the mission themselves. This includes:

  • Resources: Materials to hand out
  • Props: Anything to perform their skits or complete the designated activities

Summit Dispatch

This is the FOLLOW-UP STAGE. When missionaries return from mission, they are taken through a process of reflection and incorporation. This process could include testimonials, time for reflection and meditation, and promotion for the next mission and incorporation ceremony.