The Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Patrick Dunn says his hope is that every person, every parish, every community, every school in the Diocese will look outwards, beyond their own communities to ask ‘Where are the poor, where are people who are suffering in any way and how can I help?’
He was speaking on Pentecost Sunday at St Patrick’s Cathedral as he launched the diocesan pastoral plan “Fit for Mission” that has been in preparation for the past twelve months.
In his address to the congregation at the 11am Mass, Bishop Patrick said that we often think of Mission as something for missionaries, those who have left New Zealand to work overseas, or those who have come from other countries to work here.
“This cross fertilisation is always enriching, a reminder to us that the Church is universal,” he said. “But this call to mission applies to each one of us. Jesus said, ‘As the Father has sent me, so am I sending you…..receive the Holy Spirit.’ In leaving Mass each Sunday, nourished by Word and Sacrament, we hear the command in the dismissal rite to go and announce the gospel and glorify the Lord in our lives, to advance the reign of God, to continue the mission of Jesus.”
The bishop expressed his hope is that every person, every parish, every community, every school will look outwards, beyond their own communities to ask ‘Where are the poor, where are people who are suffering in any way and how can I help?’
He affirmed the many ways in which some are already doing this. “We will now be asking every parish and school community to identify one project that they will undertake to serve the wider community and to share and encourage others to do likewise,” the bishop said.
Bishop Dunn said that Pope Francis constantly reminds us that we cannot be part-time Christians. He quoted Pope Francis who wrote as follows in his Apostolic Exhortation, Joy of the Gospel. ‘I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and clinging to its own security.’
The bishop said that each one of us is the Church. Therefore when we are “out on the streets” we are truly advancing the missionary work of Jesus.
He prayed that the Holy Spirit will inspire everyone in the diocese to be on mission and witness to the gospel in their homes, workplaces and in all their activities.
The Pastoral Plan is available in 10 different languages.
Source
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND
Fit For Mission
Takatū Ki Te Mau I Te Rongo Pai
Are we ready to be Christians full time, showing our commitment by word and deed? Pope Francis
In order to engage every Catholic in the diocese to reach out to bring the Good News and love of Jesus to ALL, the Catholic diocese of Auckland urges diocesan agencies, parishes, schools and individuals to grow and become more in the following ways
Go Forth
- Reach out to those outside or distant from our communities
- Go out and share the Word
- Welcome new and returning members
Pastoral Areas for Mission
- Work collaboratively across community boundaries
- Build stronger links among schools, parishes, and families
Leadership for Mission
- Promote shared and co-responsible leadership among clergy and laity
- Acknowledge and celebrate lay leadership
- Support our bishop and clergy
Communication for Mission
- Share the Good News by all means and in all modes
- Create a sense of belonging
- Encourage life-long faith learning
Challenge one another to proclaim the Good News.