MISSIONARY GROUP SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

“As the Encyclical Letter Redemptoris Missio presents it, “Faith is strengthened when it is given to others!” (RM 2). But in order to give it, missionary animation is required, which involves missionary information, missionary formation, missionary cooperation and the promotion of missionary vocations (cf. RM 83). The Church declares that this missionary animation and formation must be given priority within diocesan and parish pastoral care (RM 83).”

Parish Twinning

“Some parishes in the United States have formed “twinning” relationships with parishes in other countries. In this way, whole parishes become more missionary, reaching out and forging bonds between American and mission parishes. Such relationships do much to form Catholics in the missionary spirit through direct and personal contact, helping to ensure that the universal needs and call to mission are never forgotten. The concept of providing for all churches traces back to the early Christian communities, when all was put “at the feet of the apostles . . . and distributed to each according to need” (Acts 4:35). This type of work should be done according to the directives of one’s own bishop.” (Teaching the Spirit of Mission Ad Gentes: Continuing Pentecost Today A Statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops June 2005)

“In all its activities the parish encourages and trains its members to be evangelizers. It is a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a Centre of constant missionary outreach. We must admit, though, that the call to review and renew our parishes has not yet sufficed to bring them nearer to people, to make them environments of living communion and participation, and to make them completely mission-oriented” (EG#28)