Hey there,
I’m a big Mission: Impossible fan in case you missed the reference in the title.
Ethan Hunt always accepted his mission … despite all the risks. Regardless of the possibility of being disavowed should he and his team be captured.
Fortunately, Ethan always prevailed.
As Catholics, we too are given a mission.
This Sunday is World Mission Sunday.
What the heck does that mean?
I must admit this topic was a little intimidating for me. I’ve never been on a mission trip … those are for other religions. Or for teens during their spring break. Right?
At least that’s how I’ve always thought about missionary work. But that’s wrong.
It’s hard to imagine, but there are still people who have not yet been exposed to Jesus Christ. And our church was formed for this very mission. In fact, we are called to the mission to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The reality is that it may not be practical for us all to travel across the globe to get immersed in another culture on a mission trip. But there are ways we can support those who do! And since Pope Francis is turning our attention to the importance of missionary work, it’s a mission we should accept.
This week’s issue of Genuflect looks at World Mission Sunday, how we can help support the Church’s efforts, what it means to be a missionary, and how to learn more about missions.
This message will self-destruct in 5 seconds.
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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The Origins of Mission Sunday
Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday in 1926 at the request of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Here’s how it began.
Why Pius XI Instituted World Mission Sunday | Aleteia
A Letter From Pope Francis
Pope Francis declared Sunday, October 20, 2024 as this year’s World Mission Day. Read the Pope’s letter of thanks to all missionaries for their work and what we are called to do. “Go and invite everyone to the banque.”
Message for World Mission Day 2024 | The Holy See
12 Inspiring Missionary Saints
In 2023 Pope Francis highlighted 12 saints who exemplified a passion for evangelization. Here’s a look at each of them and why they should inspire us.
12 Missionary Saints Pope Francis Wants us to Imitate | Aleteia
Pray This Prayer For Missionaries
We all may not be prepared to leave our families and our jobs to go across the globe doing missionary work. But we can certainly do our part to support the efforts of those who do! Pray this prayer that Pope Francis offers for this special month dedicated to re-awakening our missionary efforts to bring Jesus Christ to the world.
Pope Francis’ Prayer For This Special Missionary Month | Aleteia
Pray a Novena for Missionaries
Want to do more to support the Catholic church and its missionaries, but can’t take off on a mission trip? You can pray a special novena for missionaries. St. Francis Xavier, who is credited with converting hundreds of thousands of people during his lifetime, is the patron saint of missionaries. This Miraculous Novena of Grace to St. Francis Xavier is said to be especially powerful when said between November 25th and December 3rd.
Novena App: Saint Francis Xavier, Patron Saint of Missionaries | Novena
How to be a Catholic Missionary
As Director of Ministry Training and Program Development at Catholic Christian Outreach in Canada, Michael Hall has seen his fair share of conversions to Catholicism. This makes him uniquely qualified to share tips on how to be a missionary and some resources to help you along the way.
How to be a Catholic Missionary | National Catholic Register
Missionaries on Campus
It’s a well known fact that Catholicism is on the decline, especially among our youth. But since 1998, an organization called FOCUS has been recruiting and training college graduates to be missionaries on college campuses. And the organization has been growing. In 2018 FOCUS had 660 missionaries on 137 campuses. Their SEEK2019 5-day gathering in Indianapolis drew 17,000 young adults.
Catholic Missionaries Are Evangelizing on College Campuses | The Conversation
Missionary School
The National Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies, with the assistance of Boston College, has created an online course on the history of the missionary identity in the early church and the theology of missions. The course is suitable for beginners as well as those experienced in faith formation. Upon completion, you’ll have a certificate and will know how to insert mission theology into your ministry and daily life.
Mission Theology Course | Missio
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