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The Spring Mission Meetings have been set - and there's one near you! Each spring the diocese holds various Mission Meetings; these gatherings take place in various host parishes throughout the deaneries (formerly these were held in the 12 mission regions, which have now been combined to parallel the Diocese's seven deaneries). Activities of the Spring Mission Meetings include reporting on activities by both the Mission Office and the mission groups; sharing of ideas, needs and talents for the coming year; presentation by Mission Office staff; celebrating Mass; sharing about our mission connections and global solidarity initiatives; and fellowship time. In those host parishes with a Catholic school, the Mass is celebrated with the students as well, and Mission Office staff meet with the faculty and student body. In 2007 just over 450 people attended these meetings, in addition to the many school children and staffs who helped us celebrate Mission. And last year, as is the tradition every 5th year, rather than the multiple meetings, hundreds of women and men from around the diocese gathered to celebrate one large Mission Rally. Whether we're all together once, or visiting each deanery throughout the Spring, these meetings are a wonderful time to connect with others and our call to the universal church, and we invite EVERYONE to join in the celebration! Spring Mission Meetings Dates:
If you cannot attend the meeting in your deanery, you are welcome to attend any of the meetings that are closer or fit your schedule better. For a list of which parishes are in which deaneries, contact us or the Chancery.
What are Mission Groups? Women in the St. Cloud Diocese support mission in a wonderful way. As members of mission groups they get together throughout the diocese to share their prayers and talents to help others around the world. This tradition was started in 1919 when the Missionary Association of Catholic Women was instituted in the St. Cloud Diocese. In 1926 Bishop Joseph Busch appointed Fr. Joseph Kreuter, OSB as the first diocesan Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and in 1928 the women changed their name to Auxiliary to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. They organized a diocesan program of activities to assist mission parishes in the diocese and missioners who were engaged in home and foreign mission. Auxiliary President, Mrs. Joseph Prem, stated in 1930, “Everyone can find some means of helping, either by prayer, or by interesting others, or by active work.” This sentiment was echoed at the Second Vatican Council years later, that the work of evangelization is a “basic duty of the people of God” and all the faithful should cooperate in the extension of Christ’s body in order to bring it to fullness. All baptized Christians are called to be missionary. Although characteristics, dynamics and the role of mission groups have since changed in ways, their support to the Mission Office and to members of both their local and their global community has gone unwavering. Currently there are nearly 200 mission groups within the diocese, with most parishes having at least one mission group, some having more. Each group has its own unique characteristics and activities. But often they revolve around projects such as making layettes, putting together personal care or dental hygeine bags, gathering school supplies, and quilting/sewing. The items the women make are distributed to those in need by the Mission Office. Currently, they are sent to Common Hope in Guatemala, various Native American Reservations, Sharing and Caring Hands in Minneapolis, our diocesan partnerships, and a variety of other locations. Many groups also engage in fundraising activities to raise money for missioners and special projects. More recently, some are involving the youth of their parishes in service projects and others are inviting mission speakers to speak at their parish. For over seventy-five years Auxiliary members have been coming together in friendship and fellowship to reach out to others. They demonstrate our oneness with our brothers and sisters within and beyond our communities. We are grateful for their Christian witness and support!
Some Mission Group Quick Facts:
"Spotlight on Mission" Mission Groups:
To learn more about a parish mission group in your region or to organize one in your parish please call the Mission Office at 320-251-1100. |
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