Recommended Formation Resources on

Pope Francis’ The Joy of the Gospel

The Joy of the Gospel provides the missionary vision behind Vision 20/20. This apostolic exhortation presents the dream of Pope Francis and the aspiration of our diocese to fill every heart and life with the joy of the Gospel through a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ and His Church. Each parish will offer formation opportunities to help parishioners understand the key themes and visionary outlook of The Joy of the Gospel.

Bishop Zinkula recommends the following resources for parish formation during the months of August and September of 2018:

The Joy of the Gospel: Exploring Pope Francis’ Vision for the Church by Dr. Michael Havercamp

This small group resource was tailor-made for Vision 20/20 and has been used in parishes in Davenport. Six sessions provide a concise examination of the major themes of The Joy of the Gospel including chapter summaries, focus paragraphs, and action items for personal reflection and practice.

Cost: Free

The Joy of the Gospel: A Group Reading Guide to Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium by Bill Huebsch

This small group resource was written by national speaker and Vatican II scholar, Bill Huebsch. Each session provides a paraphrased summary of the significant themes of The Joy of the Gospel along with reflections and discussion questions.

Cost: $3.50 per copy

The Joy of the Gospel video series by Dr. Chris Burgwald, Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD

These six videos (introduction + each of the five chapters of The Joy of the Gospel) provide the basic context for The Joy of the Gospel, its major themes and vision. Each video is 7-14 minutes long. Each parish would be responsible for developing their own discussion questions.

Cost: Free

Available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqSqcaJSjAjbxlFGzMHl-XVjC70ohLqps

Discovering The Joy of the Gospel: A Small Group Study Guide, Catholic Diocese of Lexington

This small group study guide provides eight excerpts from The Joy of the Gospel paired with discussion points, questions, and prayers. The focus of this resource is Catholic Social Teaching. Spanish translations available.

Cost: Free

The Joy of the Gospel: A Resource for Discussion and Reflection on the Letter of Pope Francis on the Gospel in Today’s World by Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

This comprehensive study is organized in six sessions and provides a deeper dive into the major themes of The Joy of the Gospel. At 56 pages, this is a longer and more text-heavy study for those who are looking for more in-depth examination.

Cost: Free

I dream of a “missionary option”, that is a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.

Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, 27