BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., HAS SHARED THIS MESSAGE FOR WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
As we gather in communion this World Mission Sunday, I extend to you a heartfelt invitation from Pope Francis, inspired by the Gospel: “Go and invite everyone to the banquet (cf. Mt 22:9).” This call to mission resonates deeply with our faith’s core, urging us to share God’s love with the world.
Over a century ago, our own Catholic community in the United States was nurtured through the generosity of the worldwide Church that contributed to what is today this second collection. Now, we are called to extend that same generosity to our brothers and sisters in over 1,150 mission territories across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, and the Middle East.
The collection on World Mission Sunday directly supports seminaries, future religious sisters, catechists, Catholic schools, and healthcare centers that provide essential care, embodying the love of Christ.
Read his full message HERE. REV. PETER JAMES ALINDOGAN DIOCESAN,DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS HAS SHARED THIS MESSAGE FOR WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
Peace to you and your loved ones! World Mission Sunday will be celebrated this year on the weekend of October 19 and 20. Our diocesan celebration will take place in St. Benedict Church, Holmdel, on Oct. 20 at the 11 a.m. Mass.
Frankie Picciolo, a student from the Religious Education Program of St. Benedict’s, is one of 24 young people from throughout the country to have his artwork selected as a winner in the National Christmas Card Art Contest of the Missionary Childhood Association. It will be an honor for me to present the award to Frankie during the Mass.
As Bishop O’Connell has shared in his message to us, the “call to mission resonates deeply with our faith’s core, urging us to share God’s love with the world.”
We all participate in this momentous event on World Mission Sunday particularly our collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Through our thoughts, prayers, and financial support to the missionary work of the Church, we have contributed and are continually helping this so worthy and noble cause.
Read the entire message HERE. THE DIOCESAN DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT RECENTLY REPORTED that parishioners’ response to the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal has been very encouraging.
Nearly every metric has shown an increase over last year’s campaign, including the total pledged ($5.5 million); the total paid ($5.3 million), and the 24,700 gifts. Additionally, this year there are 39 parishes which have reached their goals, compared to 30 parishes in 2023.
With less than three months left before the end of the calendar year, the Development Department team is focused on meeting the ACA’s overall goal of $6.5 million. A mailing, featuring messages from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and local pastors, will go out this month to members of the Diocese who have not yet responded to the Appeal.
Read more about the Appeal HERE. AS OCTOBER IS THE MONTH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES CELEBRATES RESPECT LIFE Month, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will hold its annual Respect Life Novena Oct. 22 to Oct. 30.
The novena prays for the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and includes a wide breadth of Respect Life topics including pregnancy support, the death penalty, persons with disabilities, healing after abortion and more.