WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

                Next weekend, October 21st and 22nd, is World Mission Sunday. In 1926, Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday. He asked for prayer, celebration, and offerings for the Missions. His concern was to engender a sense of responsibility in people for supporting the missions throughout the world.

                The Pope asked that it would be observed in every diocese, parish and institute. It was to be a true World Mission Sunday. The collection on that first World Mission Sunday, like today, is for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, providing support for the life-giving and hope-filled work and witness of priests, religious and lay pastoral leaders in mission churches.

                Through the World Mission Sunday Collection we have the opportunity to change the world through merciful acts. The Mission Churches provide service and spiritual comfort for the poorest and most vulnerable offering them the Lord’s hope and peace.

                As Pope Francis reminds us in his Message for World Mission 2017 that Mission is at the heart of the Christian faith. “Through the Church, Christ continues his mission as the Good Samaritan and  the Good Shepherd. World Mission Day is a good opportunity for enabling the missionary heart of Christian communities to join in prayer, testimony of life and communion of goods, in responding to the vast and pressing needs of evangelization.”

                The second collection next weekend will support the missions throughout the world. It is a global effort for the entire Church. It is a central moment each year to provide for the building up of over one thousand local churches in Asia and Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.