We regularly receive letters at our Catholic Missions In Canada office commenting on our magazine articles, or asking about certain missionaries, or telling about encounters with certain sisters or priests in the mission parishes. Once in a while, a person feels compelled to explain why he or she contributes to the missions, and some people comment on their own visit to one of our outposts.
Here are some letters and responses which you may find of interest.
Dear Father Kennedy,
I have been a supporter of Catholic Missions In
The cost of cheques, mailing and so forth is getting more and more expensive every year. I have decided that a small donation is hardly worth it. I would appreciate your views on this.
E.P.,
Dear E.P.,
First of all, let me commend you on your very generous monetary outreach to needy people. You have seen the needs of the poor and the disadvantaged around you and have followed the call of Jesus to help “the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine.” (Matt 25:40)
It is truly a worthy and holy action to support every one of the causes you mention, and each group will appreciate your assistance, in whatever degree of support you wish to help. Here at Catholic Missions In Canada, we publicize the good works and the dire needs of our mission projects, with interesting write-ups in this magazine and in our newsletter, and in individual messages we send out. Our readers and supporters then have a good idea of what the needs really are, and can decide for themselves how much they can afford to offer.
We have the greatest of respect and appreciation for whatever our donors extend to us to keep the missions alive and vital. Our prayers of thanks go out daily for the positive decisions our donors make!
Dear Father Kennedy,
I am a Catholic teacher who has just retired after more than 30 years in the Catholic schools. I regularly read your magazine accounts of missions and missionaries, and think I would be able to dedicate my time to serving as a missionary myself in the North. I spent five years teaching in the
R.J.O.,
Dear R.J.O.,
Thank you for your generous impulse to work with our mission communities. You should be aware that Catholic Missions In Canada is not an order or a religious congregation that prepares people for missionary activity. We do our best to raise funds to keep the Catholic missions alive in this country and assist the many sisters, priests, bishops and lay people doing the great work of ministering to the people of God.
Nevertheless, there is a great need for lay women and men to labour for the cause of Christ in catechesis, church maintenance, parish organization, and prayer leadership.
Where would you begin? You must start in your own home parish, be involved in your local church’s ministry, if you have not already done so. You should be known by your pastor and other church workers. If you feel happy and productive in ministry at the parish level in your own town or city, then you may approach a society which trains lay people for specific mission ministry. Sometimes, courses in theology and pastoral studies are recommended. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate have been pioneers in this dimension of Church work, and there are other such groups. You will be encouraged to contact a bishop in a Northern Canadian diocese, who will expect strong recommendations from your pastor and even from your present bishop. There is usually a period of supervision and probation that a new missionary must undergo on the site of the remote mission. After that, a commitment of a certain number of years may be required, and close cooperation with the bishop is necessary throughout the time of service.
I hope this helps you discern the vocation you have contemplated. At least it should give you a sense of the qualifications and dedication of the lay men and women already serving in our missions.
