Missions Today by World Missions Ireland

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OCTOBER 2013 20th

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IN FAITH * GROWING *THEME FOR MISSION SUNDAY 2013

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*THEME FOR MISSION*THEME FOR MISSION SUNDAY 2013 SUNDAY 2013

GOD'S LOVE GOD'S LOVE

GOD'S GOD'S TENDERNESS TENDERNESS

GOD'S LOVE

GOD'S TENDERNESS

GOD'S MERCY

GOD'S MISSIONARIES

www.wmi.ie 64 Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6 Registered Charity Number: CHY2318

www.wmi.ie

GOD'S GOD'S GOD'S MISSIONARIES MISSIONARIES MISSIONARIES

www.wmi.ie

64 Lower Rathmines 64Road, Lower Dublin Rathmines 6 Road, Dublin 6 www.wmi.ie Registered Charity Number: Registered CHY2318 Charity CHY2318 64 Lower Rathmines Road, DublinNumber: 6 Registered Charity Number: CHY2318

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World Missions Ireland - Missions Today Magazine 2013

SUMMARY OF THE MESSAGE OF POPE FRANCIS FOR WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 2013

(For full text of Pope Francis’ message see www.wmi.ie)

This year, as we celebrate World Mission Sunday, the Year of Faith comes to an end, which I hope has encouraged our friendship with the Lord, and our sense of belonging to a Church that preaches the Gospel with courage. It is with this in mind that I would like to share some thoughts with you. God loves us! A gift freely offered Faith is a generous gift offered to all. Everyone should be able to experience the joy of God’s love, the joy of salvation! We cannot keep faith to ourselves, but must share it. If we want to keep it only to ourselves, we will become isolated, lifeless and ailing. Mature Christianity A Christian community shows ‘maturity’ when it professes the faith, celebrates it with joy during the liturgy, lives charity, proclaims the Word of God endlessly. It leaves the security of the familiar to take the faith ‘out there’, especially to people who have not had the opportunity to know Christ. Faith has no boundaries The Year of Faith reminds us that Mission is not only about geographical areas, but it is about peoples, cultures and individuals, because the ‘boundaries’ of faith not only cross through places and human traditions, but into the hearts of individuals. Fifty years ago, Vatican II highlighted our missionary task of pushing back the boundaries of faith, a task that belongs to every baptised person and all Christian communities. A responsibility for the whole Church Each community is therefore invited to welcome wholeheartedly the mandate entrusted by Jesus to the Apostles, to be his ‘witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and

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Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). I invite Bishops, Priests, Pastoral Councils and groups to give the missionary dimension of the Church priority in their formation and pastoral programmes. This is based on the understanding that their apostolic commitment is not complete unless it contains the intention of bearing witness to Christ before the nations and before all peoples. We must always have the courage of offering the truth of Christ’s Gospel and salvation with joy, whilst respecting people’s freedom to receive it. All those who take the Gospel to others must work as part of the Church. This gives strength to our mission and makes every missionary feel they are never alone, but part of a single Body animated by the Holy Spirit. The work of World Missions Ireland My concern for all the Churches, that I share with my brother Bishops, can be seen clearly in the work of World Missions Ireland (the Pontifical Mission Societies). World Missions Ireland is called to enable Christians to offer their prayers and their help to the spread of the Gospel in the world. Our brothers and sisters under persecution Let us remember Christians who, in various parts of the world, find it difficult to openly profess their

faith, to be recognised and be given the right to live with dignity. They are our brothers and sisters, courageous witnesses - even more numerous than our martyrs in the early centuries - who endure many forms of persecution. Some risk their lives to remain faithful to the Gospel of Christ. I assure those individuals, families and communities who suffer violence and intolerance of my prayers, and offer them the consoling words of Jesus: ‘Take courage, I have overcome the world’ (Jn 16:33). My wish for World Mission Sunday My wish for World Mission Sunday this year is that the Year of Faith may help us ‘to continue to strengthen our relationship with Christ the Lord since it is only in him that there is certainty in looking to the future and a guarantee of an authentic and lasting love’ (Porta fidei, 15). I affectionately bless missionaries and all those who support this essential commitment of the Church to proclaim the Gospel to all corners of the earth. May we, missionaries of the Gospel, experience ‘the delightful and comforting joy of evangelising’ (Paul VI, Evangelii nuntiandi, 80). Francis From the Vatican, 19 May 2013, Solemnity of Pentecost (Our thanks to Missio UK for the document summary)

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World Missions Ireland - Missions Today Magazine 2013

DEAR MISSIONARY FRIENDS

CONTENTS

Dear Missionary Friends,

Pope Francis’s message 2

We have a job to do this October. Pope Francis, in his message for this Mission Sunday is exhorting us “in this complex situation, where the horizon of the present and future seems threatened by menacing clouds, it is necessary to proclaim courageously and in every situation, the Gospel of Christ, a message of hope, reconciliation, communion, a proclamation of God’s closeness, his mercy, his salvation and a proclamation that the power of God’s love is able to overcome the darkness of evil and guide us on the path of goodness”(Sect. 4).

Message from the Acting National Director 3

So our first task this Mission month of October is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. Pope Francis reminds us that “what makes obsolete structures pass away, what leads to a change of heart in Christians, is precisely the missionary spirit”. He also puts it this way “Christ’s followers are not individuals caught up in private spirituality but persons in community devoting themselves to others”. In devoting ourselves to others, we are uniting ourselves in faith with all our brothers and sisters throughout the world who proclaim the values of the Gospel, and especially with those on the margins. The celebration of Mission Month this year has a very special meaning as we come to the end of the Year of Faith. “Faith is a gift that is given to us to be shared. It is a talent received so that it may bear fruit. It is a light that must never be hidden. It is the most important gift that has been given to us in our lives and which we cannot keep to ourselves.” (Pope Benedict XVI) So this Mission Month: • Let us first of all pray for ourselves as individuals and as communities that we may be further imbued with a deeper faith and a genuine missionary spirit. • Let us reach out and pray for those in our own communities who may be “on the margins” through difficulties with debt, fractured relationships, alcohol or drugs, unemployment or those who have lost a sense of hope and feel isolated and alone.

Story Behind the Poster 4 Jackie Pallas: A woman with a Vision and a Mission 5 Society of Missionary Children 6 Mass for Mission Sunday 7 Mission Sunday Notes 11 Society for the Propagation of the Faith 12 Society of St Peter Apostle 12 Holy Father’s Missionary Prayer Intentions for 2014 13 Finances 14 Mission Sunday Collection 2012 15 Resources 16

• Let us be conscious of the children throughout the world who live on the margins and who struggle to obtain the basic necessities in order to live a dignified life. We remember these children on Friday, 11th October which is the National Day of Prayer for Children. • Let us prepare ourselves as a worshipping community to celebrate Mission Sunday on 20th October. by first of all being sensitive to those from afar who have come to live among us and by praying for all missionaries in foreign lands, especially for our own. Approximately 1,500 Irish born missionaries are presently serving in 80 countries throughout the world. • Let us contribute as generously as we can in these difficult economic times so that the community of the church can continue to support and sustain the proclamation of the Good News of the Gospel to all four corners of the world. Our entire Mission Sunday collection is made available to the Universal Solidarity Fund to be distributed to as many as 1,100 young Churches. World Missions, Ireland – the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies, is the vehicle of this communion, bringing the prayers, solidarity and financial help of the Church in Ireland to Christian communities in other parts of the world, especially those in greatest need. €50 will cover the cost of food and accommodation for one month for a Priest in training in Nigeria, €250 will fund parish pastoral activities for four months in the Philippines, €1,000 will buy an anti malaria mosquito bed net for men, women and children in Malawi and €5,000 will fund the annual running costs of an orphanage in India. Please be as generous as you can in your gift for the universal church. A sincere “thank you” for your prayers and for your gift. Fr Eamon Aylward sscc Acting National Director, World Missions, Ireland. director@wmi.ie, www.wmi.ie

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STORY BEHIND THE POSTER The Mission Sunday poster this year celebrates the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina as successor to Pope Benedict, taking the name Francis or in Gaelic “Proinsias”. He is the first Pope from South America and the first Jesuit to be elected Pope. Pope Francis was elected on 13th March 2013. Since then the world has begun to get to know the new Pontiff and the general reaction seems to be that people have been impressed most of all by his simplicity and his call for all Christians to reach out to those on the margins. His trip to Rio de Janeiro in July 2013 for World Youth Day was his first overseas trip as Pontiff. The closing Eucharist for World Youth Day on Copacabana beach saw an attendance of over three million young people. As we move towards the conclusion of our celebration of this Year of Faith, our theme for World Mission Sunday (20th October) in Ireland this year is “Growing in Faith”. How appropriate then that Pope Francis published his first Encyclical on July 13th 2013, entitled “Lumen Fides” (Light of Faith). In that Encyclical both Pope Benedict and Pope Francis are exhorting people to proclaim their faith in the message of Jesus. Pope Benedict’s influence on the document can be seen throughout, especially in those sections which explain why a life of faith is completely compatible

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with rational thought and modern life. In fact the document highlights how faith is the only true path to direct us through the complexities and “idols” (see section 13) of the modern secular world. This life of faith, which guides us in the living out of Gospel values, directs us to be conscious of our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ who live in countries where there is discord or mismanagement. The result is that often they do not have the basic necessities to live a dignified life. World Missions, Ireland - the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies brings the prayers, solidarity and financial help of the Church in Ireland to Christian communities in other parts of the world, especially those in greatest need. “Through their action, the proclamation of the Gospel not only bears witness to Christ but also becomes an intervention on behalf of one’s neighbour, justice for the poorest, the possibility of education in the most remote villages, medical aid in isolated places, emancipation from poverty, the rehabilitation of the marginalized, support for the development of peoples, overcoming ethnic divisions, and respect for life in all its stages,” wrote Pope Benedict XV1 for Mission Sunday 2011.

Each Mission Sunday we are asked to put aside - for that day - our support for our favourite missionary group or project so as to show our solidarity with the younger Churches throughout the world, especially those with the least resources. The Mission Sunday collection is made available, in its entirety, to be distributed to as many as 1,100 young Churches who are supported by the generosity of Churches that are better off. In 2012 the Irish Office sent more than €2 million, collected in the thirty-two counties, to help build up the Church around the world, as well as helping in the training of novices and seminarians. We thank you for that generous support of the Young Churches overseas. Pope Francis in section 1 of his message for Mission Sunday 2013, reminds us that “Faith is God’s precious gift, offered to make our life more meaningful, better and more beautiful. It is a gift that one cannot keep to oneself”. Please help us at World Missions Ireland to share that gift of faith through your prayer and financial support of our missions.

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World Missions Ireland - Missions Today Magazine 2013

JACKIE PALLAS: A WOMAN WITH VISION AND A MISSION

She may have started work in World Missions, Ireland on April Fool’s Day 2000 but Jackie Pallas is no dud! She is a bright, vibrant and engaging woman who is enthused by, and enthusiastic about, her role as National Secretary of The Society of Missionary Children. Her job, one of the team at World Missions, Ireland, is an important one given that she helps to sow the seed of faith and love for our fellow human beings, in the children who are her main responsibility. In her own words Jackie says “It is really hard to describe what I do. It is very broad but basically my role involves encouraging Irish primary school children to pray together, for each other and for children around the world. I also encourage them to share a little of what they have to help with the material needs of children living in poverty and fear. My job is hectic and I wouldn’t be able to do it without the wonderful support of my colleagues at the World Missions Ireland office. I write a newsletter for schools three times a year and each one contains a special focus article, written by a child and centering on a country that we are helping that year. I find this helps to engage Irish children and their teachers and helps to show them the very real difference their contributions make. The literature for children is bright and colourful, like them! I draw cartoons and activity calendars for them which is a bit of craic. I follow the liturgical calendar and I do a calendar for Advent, Lent and of course, the Mission Month of October. Summertime is busy, preparing all the materials to be distributed to over 1,500 schools. For First Communicants, I produce a First Communion Friends’ Liturgy to encourage First Communicants to find out about and pray for children in the developing world as they too are preparing for the sacrament. To facilitate this, we have some stories on our website for them. This, I find, helps to form a lovely bond for children. I do a lot of school visits... I just love this! The children are so open, so giving and wonderfully non judgemental. They have no agenda and love to share with those less fortunate. They are horrified that little children throughout the world are really suffering”.

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Given the very challenging times that we, in Ireland, are experiencing, it would be understandable if more financial constraints came into play. However, Jackie is keen to stress that it’s children who are being asked to give, not their parents. “It’s Children Helping Children, not Mammies and Daddies helping children. On school visits I say to them that yes, they can go into a shop and spend 20 cent on a lollipop or they can choose to give that same 20 cent every now and then to help their brothers and sisters living in poverty. That 20 cent can buy five dinners. That is the incredible thing about money being sent to developing poor countries. The money is like elastic...it stretches and stretches!. Yes, the Irish are being hit very badly at the moment, but thank God, we still retain our lovely generosity of spirit. Remember, it’s in the shadow of one another that we live, so we should try to make our shadow cast brightness and light. My job has evolved hugely over the years but happily the Irish remain one of the most generous races in the world. This makes me proud”. “I also write materials for the National Day of Prayer for Children which falls on the 2nd Friday during the Mission Month of October each year. We have a special celebration on the day in the parish of Rathmines, Dublin and we bring children from schools in the Diocese together in the Church. We have a wonderful Parish Pastoral Worker in our parish who helps with the organisation. I also have a little team of volunteer school visitors and I have to fit in meetings with them at least once, if not twice a year”. Looking ahead to the two key dates for Mission Month this year, Jackie says “We’re all on this journey together and we are privileged to have our faith and spread the good news. Mission Month is all about good news and sharing that with everyone. Here at World Missions Ireland we invite everyone to join in this celebration of faith through prayer and sharing during the Mission Month of October. We need to work together and we can’t do it without the fantastic help and support from the people of Ireland”. National Day of Prayer for Children - 11th October 2013 Mission Sunday - 21st October 2013

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World Missions Ireland - Missions Today Magazine 2013

MISSIONARY CHILDREN ST FRANCIS SCHOOL FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED‘ BE MISSIONARIES

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OF GOD'S LOVE AND TENDERNESS AND MERCY Pope Francis

20th OCTOBER 2013 GROWING IN FAITH *

“Things we do in life often have measureable results but the extent of their impact is often difficult to quantify”. *THEME FOR MISSION SUNDAYfor 2013 This could be the maxim for those who work in St Francis School for the Hearing Impaired in India and indeed Missionary Children, whose financial help has made the work possible. The school in the diocese of Lucknow takes care of 130 pupils, all with varying degrees of hearing impairment. The extent of their work, mission in action, is brought to life through the wonderful improvement in the pupils’ education and in their lives in general.

Sr Shiny Francis, the Superior of the school says that “The generous financial donations made through Missionary Children has had an impact upon our students and our institution far beyond the obvious and measureable monetary help. The money we received has allowed me to help these children continue their education byGOD'S GOD'S LOVE TENDERNESS providing their tuition fees, their uniforms, nutrition and medicine” However, it has done much more that that. Sr Shiny Francis has witnessed the massive progress in the children, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The money has allowed the little children to blossom. Their education and their wonderful progress has given them confidence, joy, fun and above all, hope. Hope for a better life, a better future. Sr Shiny Francis says “The little ones performed at a concert and people were amazed and thrilled to see the growth and the changes that have taken place in the lives of these hearing impaired children. We are so happy and proud of your support. You have given these children a reason to smile”. GOD'S MERCY

THE SOCIETY OF MISSIONARY CHILDREN The Society of Missionary Children is the Church’s official charity for children’s missions overseas. More than 4 million children worldwide are supported and prayed for by their brothers and sisters around the world each year. Its unique motto is Children Helping Children.

BEST WILL IN THE WORLD

GOD'S MISSIONARIES

The ‘Best Will in the World’ week takes place every October to highlight the importance of making a Will. From 22nd – 26th October 2013, solicitors across the www.wmi.ie country will offer64 Will consultations for aDublin fee of6 €50. If you would like to avail of this Lower Rathmines Road, Number: CHY2318bequest to ‘World Missions, Ireland’. special offer, youRegistered may wishCharity to leave a charitable With no immediate financial outlay, you can make a meaningful contribution today to supporting the growth of young churches throughout the world. Or you may wish to cover the cost of educating a priest or sister or help support the work of Missionary Children as a manifestation of your wish that this good work will continue on. (See www.wmi.ie for details).

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MASS FOR MISSION SUNDAY TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 20th OCTOBER 2013 Mass for the Evangelisation of Peoples, B [Missal, Page 1153-1154] ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps. 95:3-4 Tell among the nations his glory, and his wonders among all the peoples, for the Lord is great and highly to be praised. THEME: GROWING IN FAITH PENITENTIAL ACT Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom: Lord, have mercy. You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness: Christ, have mercy. You will come in glory with salvation for your people, Lord, have mercy. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. GLORIA… COLLECT O God, you have willed that your Church be the sacrament of salvation for all nations, so that Christ’s saving work may continue to the ends of the ages; stir up, we pray, the hearts of your faithful and grant that they may feel a more urgent call to work for the salvation of every creature, so that from all the peoples on earth one family and one people of your own may arise and increase. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [Readings: Year C - Lectionary I:922-924]

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MASS FOR MISSION SUNDAY LITURGY OF THE WORD FIRST READING A Reading from the book of Exodus 17: 8-13 The Amalekites came and attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Pick out men for yourself, and tomorrow morning march out to engage Amalek. I, meanwhile, will stand on the hilltop, the staff of God in my hand.’ Joshua did as Moses told him and marched out to engage Amalek, while Moses and Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. As long as Moses kept his arms raised, Israel had the advantage; when he let his arms fall, the advantage went to Amalek. But Moses’ arms grew heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him and on this he sat, Aaron and Hur supporting his arms, one on one side, one on the other; and his arms remained firm till sunset. With the edge of the sword Joshua cut down Amalek and his people. The word of the Lord. RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 120 R/. V2 R/. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth 1. I lift up my eyes to the mountains: from where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth. R/. 2. May he never allow you to stumble! Let him sleep not, your guard. No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, Israel’s guard. R/. 3. The Lord is your guard and your shade; at your right side he stands. By day the sun shall not smite you nor the moon in the night. R/. 4. The Lord will guard you from evil, He will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your going and coming Both now and for ever. R/. SECOND READING A reading from the second letter to St Paul to Timothy 3:14-4:2 You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures – from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be holy. This is how the person who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work. Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching. The word of the Lord.

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MASS FOR MISSION SUNDAY GOSPEL ACCLAMATION cf Eph 1:17, 18 Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of your mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us. Alleluia! GOSPEL A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 18: 1 -8 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time, he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’ And the Lord said, ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth? The Gospel of the Lord. PROFESSION OF FAITH PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL Celebrant: The love of Christ gathers us together in communion this Mission Sunday so that we might be renewed through this celebration of our faith and in our commitment to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth and so we make our prayer to our loving Father: 1. On this World Mission Sunday, we pray for Christians suffering persecution in many parts of the world. May they have their human rights, equality and religious freedom recognised. Lord, hear us. 2. We pray for Pope Francis, as he continues on his new journey in life, of shepherding, stewarding, and renewing the flock. Lord, hear us. 3. We pray for all missionaries: for the Christian communities that sent them and for all those who received and welcomed them. We ask God to bless all our missionaries and to bless those sent to minister to us here at home. Lord, hear us. 4. We pray for our own families: we thank God for our loved ones. We remember especially those among them who are sick, troubled or in need of your solace. Lord, hear us. 5. We pray for our deceased missionaries and for all our dead. Welcome them into the light of your kingdom Lord and grant them eternal life. Lord, hear us. Celebrant: Father, you sent your Son among us as a missionary to reveal your wonderful plan of salvation. Through our sharing of the gifts you give us, may we continue to grow in communion with our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

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MASS FOR MISSION SUNDAY LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS May the offerings and prayers of your Church, O Lord, rise up in the sight of your majesty and gain acceptance, just as the glorious Passion of your Son was pleasing to you for the salvation of the whole world. Through Christ our Lord. PREFACE VII OF THE SUNDAYS IN ORDINARY TIME [Missal p 452] The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right and just. It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God. For you so loved the world that in your mercy you sent us the Redeemer, to live like us in all things but sin, so that you might love in us what you loved in your Son, by whose obedience we have been restored to those gifts of yours that, by sinning, we had lost in disobedience. And so, Lord, with all the Angels and Saints, We, too, give thanks, as in exultation we acclaim … Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts … EUCHARISTIC PRAYER COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mark 16:15 Go into all the world, and proclaim the Gospel, says the Lord. I am with you always. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION May our participation at your table sanctify us, O Lord, we pray, and grant that through the Sacrament of your Church all nations may receive in rejoicing the salvation accomplished on the Cross by your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. SOLEMN BLESSING [Missal, 10, Ordinary Time II, p 553] May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

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World Missions Ireland - Missions Today Magazine 2013

MISSION SUNDAY NOTES 2013 Pope Francis: “The men and women of our time need the secure light that illuminates their path and that only the encounter with Christ can give. Let us bring to the world through our witness with love, the hope given by faith. The Church’s missionary spirit is not about proselytizing, but the testimony of a life which brings hope and love.” (Message for Mission Sunday Para: 4) Reference: Materials for Mission Sunday www.wmi.ie Pope Francis: Message for Mission Sunday: http://bit. ly/14AmIEs Lumen Fidei: http://bit.ly/1aIUrNn

Daughters of St Mary of Providence, Archdiocese of Bangalore, assisted by Irish funding in 2012. Mission Sunday Homily Reflections: Our gospel acclamation today captures the core message of Mission Sunday: “God has kindled the light of the Gospel in a darkened world and Christians are bearers of that light”. Pope Francis: “Faith is God’s precious gift, not to be kept to oneself but to be shared – the proclamation of the Gospel is part of being a disciple of Christ and is a constant commitment that animates the whole life of the Church”. (Message for Mission Sunday Para: 1) In Exodus, God not only alleviated the hunger and thirst of his people but he also protected them from their enemies. What do we need God’s protection from today? Inequalities between north and south, rich and poor, trafficking of peoples and organs, war and hunger in our world, secular and consumer values, abuse of peoples and power, internet pornography etc. Like Moses, a major role of Christian leadership is to intercede for people in prayer while at the same time proclaiming Gospel values in addressing the relevant issues of the day. In the second reading, Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of constancy and perseverance in faith as well encouraging him in his ministry to address the problems of his age. These problems include falsehoods, errors, people falling away from the faith. (See Pope Francis: “Lumen Fidei” Section 13 on modern idols). In the Gospel, Luke is highlighting that God will not abandon his elect. Despite all our difficulties fidelity to the God of Jesus must be the engine of our prayer. The decisive question is whether the disciples of Jesus will remain faithful. As Christians we have no choice but to proclaim – it is an essential element of who we are.

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When was Mission Sunday established? World Mission Sunday was instituted in 1926 by Pope Pius XI and it was to be celebrated in every church in every place, even the poorest on the second last Sunday of October every year. The Holy Father was impressed by the vision of a young French woman, Pauline Marie Jaricot who founded the Association for the Propagation of the Faith in Lyon after the French Revolution to support the foreign missions. The Pope established Pauline’s Association for the Propagation of the Faith (POF) as his own and declared it a Pontifical Society in 1922. Who organises Mission Sunday? Since its founding in 1926, World Mission Sunday has been entrusted to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. How much was donated on Mission Sunday 2012 and what are funds used for? More than €2 million was donated by the Irish public to the Mission Sunday collection in 2012. As many as 1,100 mission dioceses receive funds to assist projects submitted to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. These would include providing the bare essentials of life for missionaries, formation of the laity and catechists; building of chapels, churches, community and pastoral centres; refugee projects; and supporting the invaluable work of catechists. 25% of the Mission Sunday collection is given to the Society of St Peter Apostle to support the formation and education of priests, brothers and sisters. What about Irish donations? World Missions, Ireland, the national office of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, in consultation with the POF Office in the Vatican, agrees to the project to be funded and then sends the money directly to the mission diocese. This ensures accountability in the use of Irish donations, which are subject to independent financial scrutiny. What is the theme for Mission Sunday? The theme is Growing in Faith. “Faith is a gift that is given to us to be shared,” wrote Pope Francis for this Mission Sunday. On Mission Sunday, we join in solidarity with the Holy Father and all missionaries throughout the world, as we celebrate our growing in faith in the Risen Lord who gives his life to us in the Eucharist.

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World Missions Ireland - Missions Today Magazine 2013

PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH DIOCESE OF KEIMOES-UPINGTON, SOUTH AFRICA

Bishop Edward Risi sent us a report on how the donation received in 2012 from the faithful here in Ireland was spent. The diocese is located in a very sparsely populated, semi-desert area on the west side of South Africa. There are 30 parishes in the diocese and they are under the care of 25 priests. Despite the economic difficulties, the parishes have managed a certain degree of self-sufficiency. The Catholic population is one of the highest in South Africa, approximately 20% of the general population. All liturgical and catechetical material, including a Youth Manual, is in Afrikaans, which necessitates a lot of translation work. There are a number of state-run schools in the Springbok area, but the Church provides for the maintenance of the Catholic ethos through a Catholic Schools Office. This is important work, as they cater for children of all religious affiliations, especially as in some instances, the Catholic school is the only school in the local community. Bishop Risi also said: “I express my deep

gratitude for the funds transmitted to us. Please convey my sincere appreciation for the assistance afforded to us in the past year.” The Society for the Propagation of the Faith in Ireland made available €1,609,000 for evangelisation projects during 2012. The project outlined above is only one of 30 projects supported by the faithful of the Irish Church. The Society organises the Church’s annual celebration of Mission, Mission Sunday, which takes place on the second last Sunday in October. This year, it is on the 20th October.

ST PETER APOSTLE

SALESIAN SISTERS OF DON BOSCO, ARCHDIOCESE OF BANGALORE, INDIA

“our sincere gratitude to you and to the Irish Society of St Peter the Apostle benefactors for your generosity...” Sr Crescentia D’Almeida, Provincial of the Salesian Sisters in India writes: “I am extremely happy to express our sincere gratitude to you and to the Irish Society of St Peter the Apostle benefactors for your generosity in donating money to the Universal Solidarity Fund. Please do accept our sentiments of gratitude for your generous offering. We pray the Lord to bless and reward you abundantly.”

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“The grant will be used for the training programme, formation and maintenance of the novices, who are preparing themselves to become evangelizers in the local Church. They are also involved in the weekend ministry of evangelisation in the neighbouring villages and in the teaching of catechism at the neighbouring parishes on Sundays, which is well planned with specific syllabus and appropriate activities”.

The Society of St Peter Apostle in Ireland made available €664,000 in 2012 to provide the financial and spiritual support needed by Young Churches to train their own priests, brothers and sisters. The project outlined above is only one of 56 seminaries and 92 novitiates which received funding in 2012 from the faithful of the Irish Church.

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World Missions Ireland - Missions Today Magazine 2013

HOLY FATHER’S MISSIONARY PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR 2014 JANUARY Middle Eastern Christians: That Christians of different denominations may walk together towards the unity desired by Christ

FEBRUARY Peace: That priests, religious and lay people may work together with generosity in the work of evangelisation

MARCH Clergy: That many young people may welcome Our Lord’s call to give their lives to the proclamation of the Gospel

APRIL Mission Churches: That the Risen Lord may fill with hope the hearts of those who are suffering pain and sickness

MAY Seminaries: That Mary, Star of Evangelisation, may guide the Church’s mission of announcing Christ to all peoples

JUNE New Evangelisation: That Europe may rediscover its Christian roots through the faithful witness of believers

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JULY Asia: That the Holy Spirit may sustain the work of lay people who proclaim the Gospel in countries experiencing great poverty

AUGUST The Church in Africa: That Christians in Oceania may joyfully announce the faith to all the people of their continent

SEPTEMBER Persecuted Christians: That Christians, inspired by the Word of God, may commit themselves to serving the poor and suffering

OCTOBER World Mission Day: That World Mission Sunday may awaken in all the faithful the passion and eagerness to take the Gospel to the whole world

NOVEMBER Latin American Churches: That young seminarians, men and women religious, may receive their formation from wise and skilled teachers

DECEMBER Prepare the Saviour’s Coming: That parents may be faithful evangelisers, handing on the precious gift of faith to their children

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World Missions Ireland - Missions Today Magazine 2013

HOW MONEY COLLECTED IN 2011 WAS DISTRIBUTED IN 2012 PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH (TOTAL: €1,609,000) €1,000,000

€997,156

€750,000

€500,000

€209,542

€250,000

€0

SOUTH AFRICA

€176,269

NAMIBIA

LESOTHO

€82,243

€76,016

€67,774

BOTSWANA

NIGERIA

SWAZILAND

ST PETER APOSTLE (Total: €664,000) €350,000

€344,715

€300,000 €250,000 €200,000 €150,000

€111,675

€100,000

€74,265

€50,000 €0

INDIA

TANZANIA

SRI LANKA

€41,710 PAKISTAN

€40,825 NIGERIA

€29,780 SUDAN

€21,030 SIERRE LEONE

MISSIONARY CHILDREN (Total: €165,000) €30,000

€28,215 €24,395

€25,000

€24,395

€22,400

€21,810

€20,000

€19,665

€17,095

€15,000 €10,000

€7,025

€5,000 €0

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GHANA

ZAMBIA

UGANDA

SOUTH AFRICA

KENYA

LESOTHO

DJIBOUTI

SUDAN

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World Missions Ireland - Missions Today Magazine 2013

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR MISSION SUNDAY 2012 Achonry Ardagh & Clonmacnois Armagh Cashel & Emly Clogher Clonfert Cloyne Cork & Ross Derry Down & Connor Dromore Dublin Elphin Ferns Galway

€23,959 €31,686

€99,197

€78,900

€59,233

€23,000

€43,000

€86,110

€111,572

€83,582

€44,333

Killala

€55,290

Killaloe

€42,110

Kilmore

€40,676

Limerick

€107,900

Meath

€32,618

Ossory

€42,320

Raphoe

€102,140

Tuam Waterford & Lismore

€31,023

Subtotal

€345,852

€25,011

€38,091

Kildare & Leighlin

€24,221

€34,632

€45,807

Kerry

€62,715

€1,714,979

Religious Institutes TOTAL

€20,456

€1,735,436

On behalf of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT In 2012, the Mission Sunday Collection amounted to €1,735,436. Thank you for your great generosity in difficult times.

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20th OCTOBER 2013 RESOURCES

GROWING IN FAITH * *THEME FOR MISSION SUNDAY 2013

PRAYERS & REFLECTIONS GOD'S LOVE

Prayers & Reflections is published annually by the GOD'S TENDERNESS Pontifical Missionary Union in support of its ministry of prayer. It is produced in conjunction with the Catholic Healthcare Commission for the celebration of World Day of the Sick on 11th February, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes. Our Lady had a special message for the suffering and sick when she invited them to join GOD'S their sufferings to those of Christ and turn to Him for MERCY spiritual, emotional and physical healing. While the main focus of Prayers & Reflections is to assist those who are ill, distressed or lonely, this 16 page booklet has also found ready acceptance among those who look for a simple yet meaningful aid to prayer throughout their day. It is also used by priests, religious and Eucharistic ministers in parish visitation of the sick and elderly. GOD'S MISSIONARIES

World Missions, Ireland - the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies is the official support organisation for

www.wmi.ie the overseas mission of the Catholic Church. It brings 64 Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6 prayers, solidarity and financial help of the Church Registered Charity the Number: CHY2318

in Ireland to Christian communities in other parts of the world, especially those in greatest need, in the spirit of Pauline Jaricot. Please send me more information on:

ociety for the Propagation of the Faith: S Spreading the Faith / Building Chapels / Supporting Catechists

Name

Address

ociety of St Peter Apostle: S Supporting Seminarians and Religious Novices

ociety of Missionary Children: S Supporting children in the developing world materially and spiritually

ontifical Missionary Union: P Prayers and Reflections booklets

Leaving a legacy to the Pontifical Mission

Societies Data protection: We will not pass on your contact details to any other organisation.

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Please complete this form and return to: Fr Eamon Aylward sscc Acting National Director World Missions, Ireland 64 Lower Rathmines Road Dublin 6

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