Dear Missionary Disciples,

This is the title that Pope Francis encourages us to take on in our new evangelization efforts. As part of these endeavors, he states in his World Mission Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 message:

“World Mission Day is a privileged moment when the faithful of various continents engage in prayer and concrete gestures of solidarity in support of the young churches in mission lands. It is a celebration of grace and joy. A celebration of grace, because the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, offers wisdom and strength to those who are obedient to his action. A celebration of joy, because Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, sent to evangelize the world, supports and accompanies our missionary efforts.”

Please demonstrate your solidarity by giving to the Holy Father’s Pontifical Mission Societies at your parish the weekend of Oct.19.  Your gift helps to make God’s grace and joy come alive in more than 1,150 young mission dioceses that are mostly located in Africa and Asia. For example, Bishop Gabriel Mante in the new diocese of Jasikan in Ghana, West Africa, is very grateful for the donations that aid his efforts in training local lay catechists and seminarians.  In turn, they are equipped and graced to expand the Catholic faith and community that produces the real joy and hope that Pope Francis so often encourages. Your support on World Mission Sunday also helps to keep the doors open of 10,000 orphanages, 9,000 clinics and 1,200 schools in these mission dioceses that are beacons of God’s grace and joy.

I invite you also to attend a special World Mission Sunday Mass and social event at 3 p.m at Badin High School, 571 New London Road, Hamilton. The spiritual and cultural gifts of our local Asian Catholics will be honored and celebrated.  Catholics of all cultures are warmly invited to celebrate with us.  For more details about this event and for more information about short or long term missionary work, you may wish to visit the website of our local Mission Office at: www.catholiccincinnati.org/mission.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Dennis M. Schnurr
Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr
Archbishop of Cincinnati