October 16 is World Food Day, a time to recognize those who do not have enough to eat. As Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si', we must recognize our call to respond to “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”
What hunger means and looks like can vary from country to country, neighborhood to neighborhood, and person to person. Catholic Relief Services will dive into the topic of hunger with a Facebook Live presentation on Friday, October 16 at noon.
CRS also invites you to use seven steps in your daily life to become a better steward of Earth’s harvests: 1. Waste less food. 2. Eat simply. 3. Support farmers by buying local produce. 4. Let your government representatives know you care about hunger here at home and abroad. 5. Donate to CRS, which partners with farmers around the world, teaching them better farming practices. 6. Learn more about hunger and how climate change is affecting farmers. 7. Pray. You fill find a simple mealtime prayer here.
Learn more about World Food Day and how you can participate and help.
"Here am I, send me." (Is 6:8)
World Mission Sunday, an annual worldwide eucharistic celebration for the missions and missionaries of the world, is commemorated on October 18. Each year, on the next-to-last Sunday in October, Catholics around the world join together in a global effort to support the Church as it works to build up more than 1,000 local churches in Asia and Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe. Through the work of these mission churches, and through their witness to Christ, the poor receive practical help and experience God’s love and mercy, his hope and peace.
In his World Mission Sunday message, Pope Francis shared, “In this year marked by the suffering and challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the missionary journey of the whole Church continues in light of the words found in the account of the calling of the prophet Isaiah: 'Here am I, send me.'"
We ask you to please be generous in your support for missionaries around the world and our brothers and sisters in Christ whom they serve. [Read more]
Society of St. Peter the Apostle Annual Appeal
The Society of St. Peter the Apostle supports the education of candidates for the Catholic priesthood in the developing world and supports the formation of candidates for religious life in the missions.
The society was founded in Cain, France, in 1889 by Jeanne Bigard and her mother, Stephanie. The Bigards sold some of their posessions to help a French missionary who was seeking resources to build a new church in Japan. A year later, the Bishop of Nagasaki turned to the Bigards again, seeking support for his seminarians. The St. Peter the Apostle Society was born, with the Bigards traveling throughout France to raise money for it.
Today, the society supports approximately 30,000 young men preparing for the priesthood in mission seminaries by providing textbooks, technology, housing, food and medical care. Renovations and new construction at aging seminary buildings are also greatly needed. The cost of supporting a seminarian for one year is $700 or $60 a month.
If you would like to help light the way for a seminarian, please consider giving to the society's annual appeal, which continues through October 10.
World Mission Rosary
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As we especially reflect upon the Sorrowful Mysteries this Lent, join in praying a rosary for missionaries all over the world and those they serve. Each color of the World Mission Rosary represents a different region, from the rich greens of Africa to the yellow of the rising sun in the Far East. Free rosaries are available to all. Contact the Office of Missions for more information. Learn more.
Mass Cards and Enrollment
We offer many ways to honor your loved ones. They include enrollment in the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for individuals and families, as well as Masses of remembrance. Masses will be said for your loved ones by missionaries around the world.
For more information, contact the Office of Missions.
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Missio
"It's not just charity. It's change."
A direct way to help missions around the world is through Missio, a connection with Pope Francis' missions around the world.
You can choose the project to which you would like to contribute, whether it's building a greenhouse in Kenya or growing a parish farm in the Philippines. Learn more and Donate today.
CRS Downloadable Prayer Book
Join together in prayer with this downloadable prayer book from Catholic Relief Services. It includes some of the basic prayers of the Catholic Church, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Nicene Creed, accompanied by images of our brothers and sisters around the world.
CRS / Ethical Trade
Catholic Relief Services provides assistance to those in need all over the world. You can help by donating or hosting an Ethical Fair Trade sale. Contact the Office of Missions for details.
Contact Us:
Office of Missions / CRS
Ms. Yvonne Borelli-Chace, Director
510 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME 04103
207-321-7817
yvonne.chace@portlanddiocese.org
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