Dear Friends in Christ,
World Mission Sunday is always celebrated on the second to last Sunday of October, this year it will be marked on
20 October. World Mission Sunday is a special day that unites Catholics worldwide in prayer, solidarity, and support for the Church’s mission efforts.
This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Francis, is rooted in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet,” reflecting the inclusive and urgent call to bring God’s love to everyone.
We are all called to be Missionary Disciples of Jesus. This means that we are disciples who want to make more disciples. We share in the fundamental mission of the Church to evangelize and share the love of God to all!
As you know this month in Rome the Church is concluding the Synod on Synodality. The Synodal way of being Church is to let everyone know that we share in the mission. Not just bishops and priests, but all the baptized. We are co-responsible together to realize the Kingdom of God in our world today. I really believe the Holy Spirit is at work in this effort of Pope Francis and the need is great. Someone at our Pastoral Council meeting suggested that we are not so much losing people, but we are not listening to them. When people do not feel listened to or an important part of something they ask why should I get involved? Why should I sacrifice for the mission when I am not heard or feel a part of it?
You are an essential part of the mission of the Church! I want to especially say this to our youth. All of us, young and old, rich and poor, healthy and sick, clergy and lay, we need to know we are an essential part of the mission of our Church.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Matt
