The theme of this year’s observance, “Together with young people, let us bring the Gospel to all,” echoes the upcoming synod of bishops, scheduled from October 3-28 in the Vatican, whose theme is “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.”
I am a mission
In the message addressed to all Christians, but especially to young people, the Pope reminds all that “we are not in this world by our own choice,” and hence there is “an initiative that precedes us and makes us exist.” Each one of us, he says, is called to reflect on the fact that ‘ I am a mission on this Earth,” which is why we are here in this world.
In fact, the Pope says, “every man and woman is a mission.” “To be attracted and to be sent are two movements” of the heart that “hold out promise for our future and give direction to our lives.”
The complete text is available here.
I would want to stress this moment of solidarity. All of us in mission are always seeking ways to raise funds for our piece of mission. This is right and good and the People of God have been very generous to us through our own annual appeals. Nevertheless, when we really look at our missionary efforts, we have to acknowledge that we do not go to the “ends of the earth.”
There is a lot happening in mission today and short-term mission trips, especially among young adults, is cultivating the missionary impulse. The stark reality, however, is that our “missio ad gentes” is not truly “Catholic” because we are not reaching out to everyone, everywhere. The Church has entrusted world mission to the Pontifical Mission Societies that works every day on behalf of the 1,111 mission dioceses – caring for the Churches in need and supporting the proclamation of the Gospel.
Is time for us to assume more responsibility for World Mission Sunday? There are many benefits to the missionary community of the United States – I would like to highlight five:
World Mission Sunday is October 21, 2018. Donations can be made through the diocese or directly through the Pontifical Mission Societies website – www.propfaith.net.
As a coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to mission, we need to identify, promote, and assess our efforts to cultivate the missionary spirit of the U.S. Catholic Church. I would welcome your thoughts on this vital aspect of our mission.
Together in Mission,
Dr. Donald R. McCrabb
Executive Director
P.S. Be sure to visit our website to see other resources for cultivating the missionary spirit.