World Mission Sunday October 20 th 2013 Theme: Growing in Faith

‘Be Missionaries of God’s Love and Tenderness and Mercy’ Pope Francis

What is World Mission Sunday? World Mission Sunday, organized by the Propagation of the Faith, is a day set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church’s missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice. This celebration takes place on the same day in every Catholic parish in the world! World Mission Sunday, organized by the Propagation of the Faith, is a day set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church’s missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice. This celebration takes place on the same day in every Catholic parish in the world!

Pope Francis message for Mission Sunday 2013 Pope Francis in his message for Mission Sunday 2013 reminds us that “ Faith is God’s precious gift, offered to make our life more meaningful, better and more beautiful. It is a gift that one cannot keep to oneself” Pope Francis in his message for Mission Sunday 2013 reminds us that “ Faith is God’s precious gift, offered to make our life more meaningful, better and more beautiful. It is a gift that one cannot keep to oneself”

The message of Pope Francis continued… “This year as we celebrate World Mission Sunday, the Year of Faith comes to an end, which I hope has encouraged our friendship with the Lord, and our sense of belonging to a Church that preaches the Gospel with courage……. My wish for World Mission Sunday is that the Year of Faith may help us to continue to strengthen our relationship with Christ the Lord since it is only in him there is certainty in looking to the future, and a guarantee of an authentic and lasting love.”

WE’RE ALL MISSIONARIES Do you know the date of your Baptism? Well, on that day, you became a missionary, called by our Lord to share your faith with those around you – and to be part of the Church’s mission to the world. We are not all able to travel to foreign lands as St. Francis Xavier did. However, we can all make effort in our daily lives – through prayer and sacrifice – to support those men and women who are called to leave their homeland and preach the Good News of the Lord in a foreign land.

Prayers During this week of World Mission Sunday We pray for Pope Francis, as he continues on his new journey in life, of shepherding, stewarding and renewing the flock. We pray for Pope Francis, as he continues on his new journey in life, of shepherding, stewarding and renewing the flock. Lord Hear us. R. Lord graciously hear us We pray for all missionaries: for the Christian communities that sent them and for all those who received and welcomed them. We ask God to bless all our missionaries and to bless those who minister to us here at home. Lord Hear us. R. Lord graciously hear us

Prayers We pray for Christians suffering persecution in many parts of the world. May they have their human rights, equality and religious freedom recognised. Lord Hear us. R. Lord graciously hear us We pray for deceased missionaries and for all those who have gone before us. Welcome them into the light of your kingdom and grant them eternal life. Lord Hear us. R. Lord graciously hear us

Concluding Prayer God our Father, You bless us with the gift of faith. Increase our faith as we answer the call to take part in the worldwide mission of Jesus. God our Father, You bless us with the gift of faith. Increase our faith as we answer the call to take part in the worldwide mission of Jesus. We ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen.