welcome to the beacon community portal
HERE YOU WILL FIND ALL THE DETAILED INFORMATION YOU NEED FOR YOUR BEACON JOURNEY. THE PORTAL IS ORGANIZED BY THE DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF THE BEACON JOURNEY (FAMILY GATHERINGS, MONTHLY QUESTS, PARENT CHECK-IN GUIDES, ETC.)
beacon quest list
CYCLE ONE: FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE APOSTLES
This foundational cycle is deeply rooted in the Gospels and centers on the transformative personal experiences of the original apostles throughout the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Participants will explore the pivotal moments, teachings, and spiritual growth of these first disciples, drawing inspiration from their initial call to their final commissioning. This cycle is designed to build a strong, Christ-centered foundation for mission.
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On time for Sunday mass every week
Confession at least once this month (each member that can)
Read numbers 2204-2208 from the catechism and discuss it during different family meals (at least during 2 family meals)
Watch two spiritual/meaningful films
Two spiritual date nights for the parents. The date should include visiting the adoration chapel to pray for at least 30 mins before the date meal.
Parents choose a Saints podcast to listen to with their children once each week at least (the more the better!). Ask a mentor for recommendations.
Make a family commitment as to how each family member can invite two friends to pray with them (specify the friends and what prayers to do). Must be done before the end of the month.
Family gets together with at least one of the other families in the program for an evening fellowship of prayer and community with chosen mentors.
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5 minutes of daily personal prayer (each member, age-appropriate). Parents help children establish a consistent prayer space and time.
Family Holy Hour once this month before the Blessed Sacrament
At two different occasions, to read and discuss one Gospel passage (suggested: call of the first disciples, Zacchaeus, Samaritan woman, Emmaus, etc.). Discuss during 2 separate family meals.
Memorize one Scripture passage together (for example John 15:5 or Matthew 11:28–30). Recite it together weekly.
One intentional act of reconciliation within the family. Each member asks forgiveness from at least one other member for something concrete.
Parents meet once with their chosen mentor to discuss their family’s prayer life and growth.
Go on a family outing to a park or outdoor venue to spend time together in a wholesome setting
Serve together once this month (parish outreach, visiting elderly, meal train, pro-life activity, etc.). Reflect afterward on where Christ was encountered in that service.
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Parents choose one biblical story/teaching they can learn well and teach their children (try to do this at least twice this month). Parents decide when to teach this to their children.
Tithe or designate a family offering intentionally this month. Children participate in deciding a charitable cause.
Establish or renew a family rule of life. Include prayer rhythm, screen boundaries, Sunday observance, and service commitments.
Fast together once this month (age-appropriate). Offer it intentionally for a specific intention.
Parents complete one extended spiritual date night (90 minutes minimum). Include examination of marriage promises and shared prayer for perseverance.
Learn about one apostle who lived radical commitment (for example: St Peter, St Paul, etc.).
Discuss what radical trust looked like in their life.
Identify one area where the family needs conversion (time use, charity, speech, generosity). Create one concrete behavioral change.
Participate together in one parish event beyond Sunday Mass (mission night, formation class, service project, etc.).
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Family sends an apostolic card to other families of their choosing (4 times this month). Ask mentor how to go about this.
Host one prayer night in your home (Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, or Gospel reflection). Invite at least one non-program family.
Share a personal testimony. Each member prepares a short (2–3 minute) testimony of how Christ has worked in their life. Share within the family.
Identify one person who is far from the Church. Pray for them daily by name throughout the month.
Parents meet with another Beacon couple to intentionally discuss faith, marriage, and mission.
Perform one hidden act of evangelizing charity (anonymous gift, encouragement letter, financial assistance, etc.)
Family Holy Hour once this month before the Blessed Sacrament, inviting another Beacon family to join them (or inviting a non-Beacon family would be even better!)
Closing gathering with mentor families: Share graces received, challenges faced, and one concrete mission commitment moving forward.
CYCLE TWO: the missionary journey of st paul
Building upon the groundwork of the first cycle, the second is based on the profound experience and theological insights of the Apostle Paul. Drawing extensively from his epistles, this cycle delves into the complexities of early Christian community building, the challenges of cross-cultural evangelization, and the essential doctrines of the faith as articulated by this tireless missionary. Participants will learn about radical conversion, perseverance in mission, and the power of the written word.
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On time for Sunday mass every week
Confession at least once this month (each member that can)
Read numbers 2204-2208 from the catechism and discuss it during different family meals (at least during 2 family meals)
Watch two spiritual/meaningful films
Two spiritual date nights for the parents. The date should include visiting the adoration chapel to pray for at least 30 mins before the date meal.
Parents choose a Saints podcast to listen to with their children once each week at least (the more the better!). Ask a mentor for recommendations.
Make a family commitment as to how each family member can invite two friends to pray with them (specify the friends and what prayers to do). Must be done before the end of the month.
Family gets together with at least one of the other families in the program for an evening fellowship of prayer and community with chosen mentors.
-
5 minutes of daily personal prayer (each member, age-appropriate). Parents help children establish a consistent prayer space and time.
Family Holy Hour once this month before the Blessed Sacrament
At two different occasions, to read and discuss one Gospel passage (suggested: call of the first disciples, Zacchaeus, Samaritan woman, Emmaus, etc.). Discuss during 2 separate family meals.
Memorize one Scripture passage together (for example John 15:5 or Matthew 11:28–30). Recite it together weekly.
One intentional act of reconciliation within the family. Each member asks forgiveness from at least one other member for something concrete.
Parents meet once with their chosen mentor to discuss their family’s prayer life and growth.
Go on a family outing to a park or outdoor venue to spend time together in a wholesome setting
Serve together once this month (parish outreach, visiting elderly, meal train, pro-life activity, etc.). Reflect afterward on where Christ was encountered in that service.
-
Parents choose one biblical story/teaching they can learn well and teach their children (try to do this at least twice this month). Parents decide when to teach this to their children.
Tithe or designate a family offering intentionally this month. Children participate in deciding a charitable cause.
Establish or renew a family rule of life. Include prayer rhythm, screen boundaries, Sunday observance, and service commitments.
Fast together once this month (age-appropriate). Offer it intentionally for a specific intention.
Parents complete one extended spiritual date night (90 minutes minimum). Include examination of marriage promises and shared prayer for perseverance.
Learn about one apostle who lived radical commitment (for example: St Peter, St Paul, etc.).
Discuss what radical trust looked like in their life.
Identify one area where the family needs conversion (time use, charity, speech, generosity). Create one concrete behavioral change.
Participate together in one parish event beyond Sunday Mass (mission night, formation class, service project, etc.).
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Family sends an apostolic card to other families of their choosing (4 times this month). Ask mentor how to go about this.
Host one prayer night in your home (Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, or Gospel reflection). Invite at least one non-program family.
Share a personal testimony. Each member prepares a short (2–3 minute) testimony of how Christ has worked in their life. Share within the family.
Identify one person who is far from the Church. Pray for them daily by name throughout the month.
Parents meet with another Beacon couple to intentionally discuss faith, marriage, and mission.
Perform one hidden act of evangelizing charity (anonymous gift, encouragement letter, financial assistance, etc.)
Family Holy Hour once this month before the Blessed Sacrament, inviting another Beacon family to join them (or inviting a non-Beacon family would be even better!)
Closing gathering with mentor families: Share graces received, challenges faced, and one concrete mission commitment moving forward.
CYCLE three: the witness of missionary saints
The third cycle offers a broad and inspiring perspective, focusing on the lives, teachings, and missionary endeavors of various heroic Saints throughout Church history. By examining their diverse stories—from the desert fathers to modern-day evangelists—participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring spirit of mission. This cycle emphasizes how the call to evangelization has been lived out across different times, cultures, and circumstances, providing practical and historical examples for contemporary life.
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On time for Sunday mass every week
Confession at least once this month (each member that can)
Read numbers 2204-2208 from the catechism and discuss it during different family meals (at least during 2 family meals)
Watch two spiritual/meaningful films
Two spiritual date nights for the parents. The date should include visiting the adoration chapel to pray for at least 30 mins before the date meal.
Parents choose a Saints podcast to listen to with their children once each week at least (the more the better!). Ask a mentor for recommendations.
Make a family commitment as to how each family member can invite two friends to pray with them (specify the friends and what prayers to do). Must be done before the end of the month.
Family gets together with at least one of the other families in the program for an evening fellowship of prayer and community with chosen mentors.
-
5 minutes of daily personal prayer (each member, age-appropriate). Parents help children establish a consistent prayer space and time.
Family Holy Hour once this month before the Blessed Sacrament
At two different occasions, to read and discuss one Gospel passage (suggested: call of the first disciples, Zacchaeus, Samaritan woman, Emmaus, etc.). Discuss during 2 separate family meals.
Memorize one Scripture passage together (for example John 15:5 or Matthew 11:28–30). Recite it together weekly.
One intentional act of reconciliation within the family. Each member asks forgiveness from at least one other member for something concrete.
Parents meet once with their chosen mentor to discuss their family’s prayer life and growth.
Go on a family outing to a park or outdoor venue to spend time together in a wholesome setting
Serve together once this month (parish outreach, visiting elderly, meal train, pro-life activity, etc.). Reflect afterward on where Christ was encountered in that service.
-
Parents choose one biblical story/teaching they can learn well and teach their children (try to do this at least twice this month). Parents decide when to teach this to their children.
Tithe or designate a family offering intentionally this month. Children participate in deciding a charitable cause.
Establish or renew a family rule of life. Include prayer rhythm, screen boundaries, Sunday observance, and service commitments.
Fast together once this month (age-appropriate). Offer it intentionally for a specific intention.
Parents complete one extended spiritual date night (90 minutes minimum). Include examination of marriage promises and shared prayer for perseverance.
Learn about one apostle who lived radical commitment (for example: St Peter, St Paul, etc.).
Discuss what radical trust looked like in their life.
Identify one area where the family needs conversion (time use, charity, speech, generosity). Create one concrete behavioral change.
Participate together in one parish event beyond Sunday Mass (mission night, formation class, service project, etc.).
-
Family sends an apostolic card to other families of their choosing (4 times this month). Ask mentor how to go about this.
Host one prayer night in your home (Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, or Gospel reflection). Invite at least one non-program family.
Share a personal testimony. Each member prepares a short (2–3 minute) testimony of how Christ has worked in their life. Share within the family.
Identify one person who is far from the Church. Pray for them daily by name throughout the month.
Parents meet with another Beacon couple to intentionally discuss faith, marriage, and mission.
Perform one hidden act of evangelizing charity (anonymous gift, encouragement letter, financial assistance, etc.)
Family Holy Hour once this month before the Blessed Sacrament, inviting another Beacon family to join them (or inviting a non-Beacon family would be even better!)
Closing gathering with mentor families: Share graces received, challenges faced, and one concrete mission commitment moving forward.
beacon reflection guide
The Beacon journey has as its most active element the quests which are not meant to be completed as tasks or serve as checklist for holiness, but lived as encounters. These are encounters that allow both the individual and the family to encounter Jesus, each other, and themselves, in profound ways, so as to discover their own apostolic calling.
In order for this discovery to happen, the Beacon program encourages moments of reflection where both the individual and the family have the space and opportunity to process and reflect on how God has been working in their lives through the quests and the Beacon journey as a whole.
This reflection is not about measuring success or failure, but about recognizing grace, celebrating growth, and remaining open to Christ, who walks with each family in a unique and personal way.
The goal is simple: to become more attentive to how Christ is forming your family for mission.
Reflection guidelines
Each family has the flexibility to schedule their moments of reflection as best suits them.
Parents should mutually agree upon the timing of parent check-ins.
Personal reflection time is encouraged as frequently as possible.
family check-ins
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To reflect together as a family on how Christ has been present in your shared life, strengthening unity and deepening your sense of mission.
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Set aside 30–45 minutes in a peaceful, comfortable setting
Begin with a simple prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit
Parents lead by example through honesty and openness
Encourage each member to share freely, according to their age
Maintain a spirit of gratitude, encouragement, and attentiveness
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Recognizing Christ’s Presence
Where did we experience joy, peace, or unity as a family this month?
When did we feel especially close to Jesus?
How did God surprise us?
Celebrating Growth
Which quest or moment was especially meaningful for us?
What are we grateful for as a family?
Where do we see growth, even in small ways?
Facing Challenges with Hope
Which quests were more difficult to live out?
What made them challenging for us?
How did we respond in those moments?
Discovering Grace in the Struggle
Where might Christ have been present even in difficulty?
What did we learn about ourselves as a family?
How is God inviting us to grow?
Looking Ahead
What is one thing we want to carry forward into the next month?
How can we better support one another?
Closing
Each person shares one moment of gratitude
End with a prayer together
parent check-ins
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To support one another in the mission of forming a Christian family, growing as spiritual leaders, and accompanying one another with honesty and faith.
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Gather in small groups (3–6 people) for about 60 minutes
Begin and end with prayer
Foster a spirit of trust, confidentiality, and encouragement
Share with sincerity, focusing on both spiritual and practical realities
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Living the Mission of the Family
Where have I seen fruit in my family this month?
When did I feel most present and intentional as a parent?
Moments of Grace
When did I notice God working in my spouse or children?
What gave me hope or encouragement?
Challenges in Leadership
Where did I struggle to lead or remain consistent?
What obstacles did I encounter, internally or within the family?
Personal Relationship with Christ
How has my own prayer life been?
Am I leading my family from a place of encounter with Christ?
Unity in Marriage
How have we worked together as spouses in this mission?
Where can we grow in unity and support?
Growth and Commitment
What is one area where I feel called to grow?
What is one concrete step I will take this coming month?
Optional Element
Offer one another a brief word of encouragement or affirmation
personal check-ins
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To personally encounter Christ within your lived experience of the Beacon journey.
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Take 15–20 minutes in silence
Begin by placing yourself in God’s presence
Use journaling if helpful
Allow space for listening, not just thinking
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Looking Back with Gratitude
Where did I encounter Christ this month?
When did I feel closest to Him?
Interior Movements
What brought me peace, joy, or clarity?
What created resistance, discouragement, or distraction?
Authenticity of Heart
Where was I fully present and engaged?
Where did I act more out of routine than relationship?
Christ’s Invitation
What is Jesus inviting me to in this moment?
Where is He calling me to grow or trust more deeply?
Moving Forward
What is one concrete step I feel called to take?
What grace do I want to ask for?
Closing Prayer
Speak to Christ simply and honestly, entrusting the journey to Him with gratitude and trust.