Until a few years ago, each parish in our archdiocese had an annual missionary cooperation, usually during the summer. Archbishop Jackels discontinued this because some missionaries were not receiving enough support to even pay their travel expenses. But he encouraged continuing this tradition, and inviting more local ministries to participate.
This is a laudable practice for two reasons. Having a missionary speak with us at Masses enlarges our imagination, and connects us to the larger Church. We can get so focused on our own parish that we forget to be truly Catholic, which means universal. There are amazing people doing missionary work all over the world, and it is good to know about this. The second reason is so that we can offer our prayerful and financial support.
Next weekend, Fr. Mark Murphy from St. Stephen the Witness Student Center at UNI will be with us. From my time there, I know it is a trick to gather enough support to keep the lights on. Please welcome Fr. Murphy, and consider supporting this important ministry, even if you are a Cyclone or a Hawkeye.
Proud to be your Padre,
Father Jon Seda