LEWISTON — Beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday, Catholic parishes across Central Maine will participate in a renewal experience called Disciples in Mission.

Approximately 2,000 parishes throughout the U.S. have all ready participated in the program, and Bishop Malone has asked that all of the parishes in Maine participate.

Disciples in Mission is a three-year experience inspired by a document authored by the U.S. Bishops entitled “Go and Make Disciples.” Each year of the renewal experience is designed to have a similar structure, but a different focus.

Year one focuses on living the Catholic faith, year two on sharing the faith and year three on transforming culture. The goals are accomplished through a variety of activities including Lenten faith-sharing groups, family gatherings and a Parish Reflection Day that begins strategic planning for future goals.

During Lent, families will have the opportunity to participate in the renewal experience using specially designed family activity booklets that that include prayer, reading of scripture and a family project that promotes the sharing of Catholic faith.

Teens and adults will have the opportunity to join small faith-sharing groups with other parishioners. Participants in the groups will provide the outline and format to discuss the readings for the upcoming Sunday Mass, share their faith with other group members and explore how to apply more Christian values to their daily life.

After Pentecost Sunday, a Parish Reflection Day will be held to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the parish. The parishes will use the results of the reflection day to create an evangelizing profile to foster the development of new ministries or enhance existing ministries within the parish.

The Parish Reflection Day this year will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 2, at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Registration will begin at 12:30.

For more information, parishioners should check their weekly church bulletin or contact the parish office at 777-1200.