MISSIONARY

                Every year during the summer months, the parishes of the Diocese host missionaries from around the world. These missionaries come to the parishes in the Diocese to explain the work that they do and to ask for our prayers and support for their various missions.

                This year the Office of the Propagation of the Faith in our diocese has assigned the Archdiocese of Juba, South Sudan to visit St. Louis Parish as well as parishes in Farnham and Oakfield. We welcome Father Emmanuel Jada next weekend June 29th and 30th to preach to us about the work of their Archdiocese.

                The Country of South Sudan is a new nation born on July 9, 2011 after nearly four decades of civil war. The war pitted the Muslim north against the non-Muslim south where many people are Christian. To eliminate Christianity and the African Traditional Religions from the Sudan, entire villages were razed or set ablaze. Girls and boys were abducted and subjected to sexual bondage and slavery. Over three million people perished during the carnage. Millions sought refuge in the wilderness and neighboring countries.

                After years of negotiations, in January 2005 a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was reached in Naivasha, Kenya. South Sudan was given the right to hold a referendum to choose unity or separation (Independence). Balloting began on January 15, 2011 resulting in an overwhelming vote in favor of separation. South Sudan declared independence July 9, 2011.

                Just two years after independence conflict again erupted. Once again hundreds are held in UN Protection Camps. Many are dying from starvation, disease and hopelessness. The church remains the only hope for these desperate people. The church is the only functioning social institution standing by and  for the people. Clergy, religious and lay ministers continue to proclaim the Gospel gathering people into the church, forming and consolidating faith. They serve 800,000 Catholics, ministering in 15 parishes, 287 village chapels and prayer centers. They provide basic education, healthcare, and motivating people to secure clean water and sufficient food.

                They are in need of our help to continue to keep hope alive among their struggling people. Please offer what you can to assist them in next weekend’s second collection