 | From the Mission Office
Some give by going ... some go by giving
 Msgr. McCullough | | Greetings, dear missionaries in the Church of Greensburg. Today’s headline reflects the sentiments of so many who are assisted in the ministry of mission life. These particular words are penned by Bishop Donald J. Kettler, the Alaskan shepherd of the Diocese of Fairbanks. Over the past 18 years, the northern Alaska diocese has been able to build an annuity and endowment fund of nearly $16.4 million, thanks to the support of faithful folks like you. Every gift is important, and it truly is a share in the ministry of mission.
In 2006, Catholics in the United States sent nearly $58 million to the missions through the Pontifical Mission Societies: the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of St. Peter the Apostle and the Holy Childhood Association.
In so many reports from missionaries, they indicate that the good example of missionaries, teachers, priests and religious inspired them to take up the life of service and commitment.
Bishop Paul Schmitz of Nicaragua gives this “job description” of the many roles of a priest in the missions: “Ministering of the sacraments, Eucharist; walking with those whose lives are broken; building and rebuilding; hoping and bringing Christ.”
One of the priests who lives and works among the Miskito Indian population in Central America travels by boat to visit about 10 small communities along Pearl Lagoon. After his visits and celebration of the sacraments, catechists continue to teach the people about the faith.
In Mongolia, four Catholic parishes support homes for street children, soup kitchens, training centers for a variety of skills, medical clinics and an outreach to the mentally challenged. A year ago, 70 adults and children were baptized in the celebration of Easter, bringing the total number of converts in Mongolia to 345.
Indeed, some give by going, and others go by giving! What is most important is that we have an awareness and a zeal to help.
The support of young people through the Holy Childhood Association keeps religious education programs going in places like the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. Bishop Stuart F. O’Connell tells us how grateful the children there are for the missionary children of the United States. We can only imagine the great work that is accomplished. Alone we cannot, together we can!
Some support the missions by giving, others support the missions by going. The great greeting of Easter is: May the light of the risen Christ scatter the darkness of our minds and hearts. He does this in and through us, and we are truly blessed in our celebration of the Resurrection.
God love you.
Msgr. McCullough is diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. He can be reached by e-mail. |
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