Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We celebrate World Mission Sunday the weekend of Oct. 22-23 this year. I am looking forward to the Diocesan Eucharistic celebration on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the 5:15 p.m. Mass at Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral. I hope that you are able to join me at this Mass, where we focus our attention on the missionary task of the Church – not only worldwide, but also here in the Diocese of Columbus and within ourselves.
I encourage all the faithful in the diocese to recommit to our common vocation that is received through baptism to be missionaries “to the ends of the earth.” While the Mass will focus on our efforts here in the diocese, I also ask you to focus on this mission through prayer, participation in the Eucharist and by giving generously to the World Mission Sunday collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Sunday this year reflects on the theme “You shall be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) It highlights our zealous participation in evangelization. Together, through our prayers and financial support, we bring the Lord’s mercy and concrete help to the most vulnerable communities in the pope’s missions.
I invite to you join in union with Catholics throughout the world in prayer and personal sacrifice made to God through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. I am most grateful for your mission solidary.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Earl K Fernandes
Bishop of Columbus
