World Mission Sunday October 18 th 2015 Theme: ‘Abundant Life’.

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

Pope Francis has said: ‘A way has to be found to enable everyone to benefit from the fruits of the earth, and not simply close the gap between the affluent and those who must be satisfied with the crumbs from the table, but above all to satisfy the demands of justice, fairness and respect for every human being.’ Pope Francis has said: ‘A way has to be found to enable everyone to benefit from the fruits of the earth, and not simply close the gap between the affluent and those who must be satisfied with the crumbs from the table, but above all to satisfy the demands of justice, fairness and respect for every human being.’ The theme for Mission Sunday 2015 is ‘Abundant Life’

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 speaks of Mission in 2015…… ‘Mission is a passion for Jesus and at the same time a passion for his people. When we pray before Jesus crucified, we see the depth of his love which gives us dignity and sustains us. At the same time, we realize that the love flowing from Jesus’ pierced heart expands to embrace the People of God and all humanity. We realize once more that he wants to make use of us to draw closer to his beloved people and all those who seek him with a sincere heart. In Jesus’ command to “go forth”, we see the scenarios and ever-present new challenges of the Church’s evangelizing mission’

WE ARE 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. 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 share 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 journey in life, of shepherding, stewarding and renewing the flock. We pray for Pope Francis, as he continues on his 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

Let us reflect… Dear God, It is hard to imagine that in 2015 we are living in a world where 16, 000 babies are dying every day from malnutrition and nearly one billion people are going to bed hungry every night. Let us be conscious of this suffering in the Body of Christ during Mission Month as we unite ourselves with all of God’s people around the Eucharist on Mission Sunday. May we never lose the courage to seek for a better world, where no child will cry hungry, while another is bored with too much. Where war is remembered in hushed tones, a memory of forgotten days. Where colour and creed can celebrate with pride, in their different ways. Amen.

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. Amen. We ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.