As we look forward to Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019, Canon Michael Loughlin reflects on the work we do to support the Church’s mission…
Our diocese has a long history of supporting the Pontifical Mission societies. The chief way we support the missions is through the Mill Hill Mission box – every home and presbytery should have one.
Last year, our diocese donated £73,945, just from the Mission boxes. Another £10,845 was raised by the second collection on World Mission Sunday 2018 and a further £11,529 was given for the training of priests through the St Peter the Apostle society.
Anyone can sponsor the last four years of training for a priest. It simply costs £500 a year. It would be great if every parish would sponsor a seminarian. I don’t think people know how easy it is to do this.
At a time when we in the diocese are having difficulty in attracting vocations, there is an abundance overseas. One of the most successful supports for the missions comes from our schools, who raised £7,063 through the work of Mission Together.
Last year we were the best diocese in the north of England for the support received from our schools. All told, our diocese raised £104,935 for the work of the missions.
Thank you to everybody who has a mission box, sponsors a seminarian, donates on World Mission Sunday and to all our schools who support Mission Together.
Our special Mass at the Cathedral in October will be an occasion to celebrate and to deepen our commitment to the work of mission.
Prayer for the Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019
Heavenly Father,
When your only begotten Son Jesus Christ rose from the dead, he commissioned his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” and you remind us that through our Baptism we are made sharers in the mission of the Church.
Empower us by the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be courageous and zealous in bearing witness to the Gospel, so that the mission entrusted to the Church, which is still very far from completion, may find new and efficacious expressions that bring life and light to the world.
Help us make it possible for all peoples to experience the saving love and mercy of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.