By Agnieszka Ruck, BC Catholic

[Canadian Catholic News – Maple Ridge, BC] – Mary Tabada finds the work of evangelism “life-giving.”

A parishioner at St. Patrick’s in Maple Ridge, Tabada runs two women’s faith studies and coordinates the parish’s Alpha program with her husband Randy. In addition, Randy runs a small group faith study.

“We were asked a couple of years ago to be part of this ‘missionary disciple’ theme” at the parish, said Mary. “We didn’t really know what it would look like at the time.”

Now, the pair can confidently say they know what it looks like and have seen the difference it has made. Becoming missionary disciples has meant creating safe spaces for people to feel welcomed and free to learn about God and the Catholic faith.

“The Holy Spirit is moving here,” said Mary.

Randy agrees. He’s seen people who would otherwise never talk to each other have deep conversations about God. One woman in his faith study had not been to church in more than 30 years; now, she participates in Mass and goes to confession.

“People who have left the Church are coming back and they are feeling a real sense of community.”

It was an adjustment, the pair admits, to become so involved in the parish. They had numerous commitments, including five children to raise.

But after a convicting men’s retreat last year, Randy felt he had a calling. When he and Mary began running Alpha, they never experienced the nervousness they expected. Now even their children look forward to Alpha events.

“The popes have been saying: Christianity is about a relationship with our God through Jesus,” said Mary. “That’s really the point being hammered home through the faith studies, Alpha, and this community. Encouraging people to grow in their relationship in Christ is the most amazing thing.”

The Tabada duo isn’t the only pair of parishioners trying to light a fire at the parish. Faith formation director Julia Hanley said since January, St. Patrick’s Parish has hosted 38 small group faith studies offered by about as many leaders. They use Catholic Christian Outreach’s Discover Discipleship program.

“We know it’s our call to make disciples, but how we were doing it was very disorganized,” said Hanley.

Under the leadership of Father Matthew To, new initiatives started popping up a few years ago, including increased faith studies and training for people interested in leading ministries.

Hanley said the momentum at the parish is only building.

“We run a lot of specific formation of missionaries,” for example, how to accompany, how to listen, or how to have conversations that lead to conversion. The parish also transformed its hall into “Holy Grounds,” a coffee house for people to gather, host faith studies, and build lasting relationships.

“It’s incredible,” and, so far, “an effective model.”

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