Our Mission Masses have continued throughout the summer and we are truly grateful to everyone who has joined us and our partners, the Mill Hill Missionaries. We have been delighted to share about mission and to take the opportunity to meet supporters and missionaries alike. Watch, listen, and read some highlights below:
Sharing faith in Lancaster
Bishop Paul Swarbrick and our National Director, Fr Anthony Chantry, along with other clergy, concelebrated a beautiful Mission Mass at St Peter’s Cathedral in Lancaster Diocese. They continue to promote participation in the Church’s mission and extend heartfelt thanks to all mission partners. In his homily, Fr Anthony addressed the worry many of us feel around the future of the Church. You can watch excerpts from his homily here:
Hearing first-hand from the Mill Hill Missionaries
Our Mission Masses are an opportunity for supporters in England and Wales to meet and talk to missionaries who have served poor and disadvantaged communities overseas. We witnessed a lively discussion between our supporters and friends in Lancaster Diocese. Fr Anthony MHM, our National Director in England and Wales, and Fr Edson MHM, who spent years in Pakistan spoke with supporters about their experiences – which were often very challenging, but fruitful.
Sharing thanks and honouring volunteers in Clifton Diocese
We’ve held a series of Masses in Clifton Diocese, as part of the nine new Pastoral Areas’ journey of discernment. At a Mission Mass in Gloucester, we honoured Dennis King, Local Secretary for Our Lady of Victories, who received his Gold medal from Fr Gerry Hastie MHM. Dennis became a Red Box Local Secretary in 1983, and before that, he was a Promoter. He shares:
‘I enjoy being a Local Secretary because I feel I’m doing my bit to help the Church grow. I’m honoured to receive my Gold medal from Fr Gerry – I hope to continue as Local Secretary for as long as possible!’
A huge thank you to all our Local Secretaries and volunteers across England and Wales, for your amazing work!
A family history of mission
At a Mission Mass in Banbury, we were delighted to chat to Deacon Bob Hughes. Dcn Bob is a Red Box supporter with links to the Mill Hill Missionaries that date back to their inception. Listen to Dcn Bob’s inspiring family history below:
Spreading mission, sharing faith in Portsmouth
Missio supporters and volunteers have also been gathering together in parishes throughout the Diocese of Portsmouth, to celebrate and give thanks to God for the work of Missio and the mission of the global Catholic Church.
Fr Innaiah Maddineni, Diocesan Director for Missio in Portsmouth, invited the faithful to gather at St Theresa’s in Totton, Christ the King in Reading, and St Laurence in Petersfield. Each Mass was followed by a short reflection on the work of Missio. They provided a great opportunity for the people of the Diocese to come together and share their own experiences of mission.
In each of his homilies Fr Maddineni encouraged Missio supporters and volunteers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that it has sustained them for many years. He also assured them that their prayers and donations are making a significant contribution to sharing the Gospel with our sisters and brothers throughout the world. Fr Maddineni also shared how his faith has been strengthened by his own encounters with missionaries and his work in the Diocese for Missio.
Saving you a seat!
Our Mission Masses will continue throughout the year and we’d love to meet you. Bring your questions, thoughts, and prayers and let’s share a special celebration of the Church’s global mission together!
Find a Mission Mass near you here>>
Other ways to get involved
- Find all the ways to pray with Missio here>>
- Your donations make mission possible. Please give what you can to the Red Box>>
- Fundraising is a wonderful way to support Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries through your church or school community. Find our community fundraising guide here>>
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