St. Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement
At Sent Parish, our mission is to be a source of encouragement and support for parishes striving to make disciples and grow in their faith. St. Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement," played a pivotal role in the early Christian community. His story in Acts 11:19-26 highlights his mission to the church in Antioch, where he was sent to encourage the believers to remain faithful and continue their mission of discipleship.
In this passage, we see Barnabas arriving in Antioch, a diverse and growing community of believers. He witnessed the grace of God at work and was filled with joy. His response was to encourage them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. Barnabas recognized the importance of nurturing faith and building a strong, supportive community. His actions and words motivated the believers in Antioch to stay strong in their faith and continue making disciples.
The Mission of Sent Parish
Sent Parish aims to be that same source of encouragement for modern-day parishes. We understand the challenges that parishes face in today's world and are dedicated to providing the support and resources needed to foster vibrant communities of faith.
The three pillars of our mission are:
1
Encourage Faithful Discipleship
Just as Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch, we aim to inspire and motivate parish communities to deepen their faith and commitment to the Lord. Through our resources and training, we help parishes cultivate a culture of discipleship that is rooted in the Gospel.
2
Support Parish Growth
Barnabas's work in Antioch led to significant growth in the Christian community. We strive to help parishes grow not only in numbers but also in spiritual maturity. Our Disciple Maker™ programs and personalized coaching are designed to equip parish leaders with the tools they need to effectively evangelize and disciple their members.
3
Foster Strong Communities
Barnabas understood the importance of community. At Sent Parish, we believe that strong, supportive communities are essential for fostering lasting faith. Our workshops and mastermind groups provide opportunities for parish leaders to connect, share, and learn from one another, building a network of support and encouragement.
St. Barnabas's charism of encouragement and discipleship is at the heart of everything we do at Sent Parish. We are committed to helping parishes create environments where faith can flourish, and discipleship can thrive.
Looking at the example of St. Barnabas, we are reminded of the transformative power of encouragement and the vital role it plays in the life of the Church. At Sent Parish, we are honored to continue this legacy, working alongside parishes to build vibrant communities of faith.
Continuing the Legacy
Whether you are a parish leader seeking new ways to engage your community or a member looking to deepen your faith, Sent Parish is here to support you. Together, let us be inspired by the example of St. Barnabas and work towards creating parishes that are strong in faith and rich in discipleship.
Building up the Church
Meet the Team
-
Nick Longo
Founder & Executive Director
Diocese of Syracuse -
Christina Longo
Board Member & Director of Brand Strategy
Diocese of Syracuse -
Fr. Jason Hage
Advisor
Diocese of Syracuse -
Dc. Mark Kay
Board Member
Diocese of Syracuse -
Josh Kay
Advisor
Archdiocese of Hartford -
Laurie Kayler
Board Member
Archdiocese of Seattle -
Michele Lynch
Board Member
Diocese of Syracuse -
Edmund Mitchell
Board Member
Diocese of Fort Worth -
Ryan O'Hara
Advisor
Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis -
Chris Spilka
Board Member
Diocese of Richmond