Dear Friends in Christ,
Every year, the Oakland Propagation of the Faith office sends representatives to all diocesan parishes to talk about the missions and missionary work. And St. Joan of Arc Parish chose this weekend for this summer event.
By reason of our Baptism, we are all missionaries. It is how we live and how we interact with other people that demonstrates what we believe about God, if we love and follow God ourselves. The Holy Spirit will help us to share in this work.
The first way we can answer this call to spread the news of God’s love is by being part of something the parish does for the Reign of God by giving some of our time and talent to a group or parish project that has stirred our interest.
Secondly, you can assist in missionary activity by sharing some of your material treasure with your St. Vincent de Paul Society or putting a gift of money into the envelopes provided by the Propagation of the Faith for the second collection of today’s Mass. Missionaries at home or in other countries are dependent on funds given to them to establish the works of mercy among the people. Missionaries tell the wonderful story of God's compassionate love through the charities of the Church, helping the people in practical ways, and they tell the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and the wonderful gift of God’s Holy Spirit as they go among the people to whom they are sent. The funds received in today’s collection will be used right here in the Diocese of Oakland to support home missionary services to immigrant Catholics and the poor.
And finally, in the third manner of support, we can pray for those who work in the missions. Not everyone can join a service group or give funding to the activities of the mission. But everyone can pray. Missionaries may feel lonely or lose heart in difficult situations. Many may face persecution. Parishes here in the Oakland diocese have opened their doors to many peoples, among whom are the Kmhmu people, who were welcomed here many years ago, and with whom I work. So pray for missionaries. Ask God to lift them up, to send them good people of faith to be a comfort in discouragement, to be friends and assistants in their works for those in need. Send your blessings and strength to those who need it most here at home or across the world.
In supporting the Propagation of the Faith’s second collection today, you will be building up the Church and providing for the future of the Faith among us. May God bless this parish with the gifts it needs to help bring about a Church of diversity, beauty, and accomplishment in the Diocese of Oakland.
Thank you for your generosity. God bless you all!
Fr. Benedict
St. Anne’s Parish Union City
