C&SI - Mission Sunday 2021 - 17 October 2021 (S01 E12)

October 24th is World Mission Sunday so on this weeks podcast John and Shane discuss the up coming day and its significance for so many local churches around the globe. In addition we cover some events around the news cycle that would be of interest and as always a key part of our weekly podcast is the reflection on the Sunday gospel (Mark 10:35-45).

Mission Sunday 2021 - “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20)
World Mission Sunday is the Holy Father’s annual appeal for spiritual and financial support so that the life-giving work of overseas mission and missionaries can continue. It always falls on the second last Sunday in October, and like the Good Friday collection for the Holy Land and Peter’s Pence, it is one of three yearly universal Church collections. 

All offerings and donations made for World Mission Sunday become part of the Holy Father’s Universal Solidarity Fund. This fund is a lifeline for struggling missionaries and the communities they serve across Africa, Asia and Latin America, where over 1,100 mission dioceses are found. As these dioceses form and grow, so do their needs. On top of this, mission dioceses are often in remote areas devastated by war and natural disasters, or where suppressed communities are just opening up to the life-saving message of Jesus Christ.

This is why World Mission Sunday is so important. It offers young dioceses the financial and spiritual assistance they need to help their men, women, and children to survive and thrive. 

World Mission Sunday collections take place in every single parish where the Church is present. This includes not only Ireland and Europe, but also in poorer parishes in developing countries. It is a moment of universal solidarity when each member of the Church family, regardless of location or background, play their part in supporting each other. This is what makes it such a special celebration.

The needs of overseas dioceses vary greatly. Anything from a motorbike so a priest can celebrate Mass in a remote village, to a community hall to allow people to gather and celebrate in safety. Or more urgently, vaccinations and medicines to protect the vulnerable.

In essence, World Mission Sunday:

• Provides Church centred infrastructure by helping communities build schools, clinics, parish halls, and churches
• Prepares the future leaders and carers of the Church by supporting the training of sisters, priests, religious brothers and catechists
• Supports missionary programmes that protect and care for children’s wellbeing by offering safe shelter, healthcare, education, and hope for the future

To support World Mission Sunday in Ireland and to get online information is available from Missio Ireland

Pope Francis message for World Mission Day  2021 -  

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