This weekend, Bermuda?s Catholics celebrate World Mission Sunday. More than any other celebration or event, World Mission Sunday affords all of us an opportunity to get back to our roots ? and to look to our future.

More than a celebration, event or an occasion of ?just another second collection,? World Mission Sunday reflects a way of thinking in the Catholic Church ? we are missionary at our core.

Catholics all over the world come together in solidarity, joining their hearts and souls in the Eucharist. Together we all affirm our primary responsibility as baptised followers of Jesus to continue the missionary legacy of the Church. In effect, we commit ourselves to take up the continuing work begun by the Apostles at Pentecost.

Maybe you thought that Pentecost ? was a one-day phenomenon ? the day that the Holy Spirit began his abiding presence with the Apostles and with the Church. But Pentecost continues today and we are all an important part of this ongoing celebration.

World Mission Sunday is a graphic reminder that we should never be content to keep Jesus to ourselves. Our faith is not a private matter.

I recently visited with an African missionary who described the difference between Catholics in his country and in the United States in this way: ?In your country religion is too private; people only uncover it for an hour on Sunday. In my country, we celebrate it publicly and everyone knows that we believe in Jesus.?

If we accept Jesus as our Redeemer we should be willing to share him with everyone willing to learn about him. That is what we do as missionaries, at home and to the ?ends of the earth.?

The Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States serve as the primary agents for mission animation and co-operation in this country. All of our efforts are directed toward the support of mission activities outside our borders.

We invite you to learn more about us as you navigate through our website. We also invite you to participate fully in the celebration of World Mission Sunday on October 19. Pray for the Missions, learn about our heroic missionaries all over the world, and respond with your generous financial gifts.

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