Missionaries of the Sacred

The annual mission appeals were begun in the 1940s when various mission­ary groups approached the US Bishops asking for help to fund some of the overseas missions. One of our own MSC priests, Fr. Joseph Janssen....became one of the first preachers to travel to different dioceses making these ap­peals. The MSC have been involved in Mission Co-ops ever since.

There are several benefits to the mission appeals. First, the Church is mis­sionary by nature, sent to “make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19).... It’s important for all local churches to be reminded periodically that all of us, by baptism, are on a mission: to continue spreading the message of Christ.

Second, a mission appeal reminds us that the Church is universal. By hearing the story of other local churches, by praying for them, by sending missionar­ies to them, and by taking up a collection for them, we connect with those churches in a vivid and direct way. At the same time, the missionary churches pray for us and become aware that they too are missionary, that they too have something to offer us in return.

Third, mission appeals present us with an opportunity to share in missionary work. When we become better informed by listening to a missionary preach, we share in the story of evangelization. Because we can’t all go to other lands to “make disciples of all nations,” we help those who are sent in our name to proclaim the gospel. Our contribution is a concrete way to express our partici­pation. And giving is good for the soul.

We find that everyone benefits through the Missionary Cooperation Plan. The peoples of the young mission churches learn that they are not alone, that we are united with them. The missionaries who are sent get the help and support they need to continue the work of evangelization. And we here back home get to learn and share in mission work, helping us fulfill our baptismal call.

Excerpts from Fr. Ray Diesbourg’s column “From the Pastor’s Desk” in the June 25, 2010 bulletin of St. John the Baptist Parish in Ottsville, PA.