|
1. What is Mission Education?
Many programs and activities can be included under mission
education. In "Mission 101" you can read how mission
and mission education are being defined in the Church today.
Back to questions
2. Who are missionaries today?
In earlier times missionaries were priests and religious with
few exceptions. Today, as all of God’s people are encouraged
to discern their baptismal call to be missionary, many lay
missionaries now work alongside priests and religious at home
and outside of their homeland.
Back to questions
3. Is there a difference between a "volunteer" and a "missionary"?
Yes, not all volunteers are missionaries. However, a case
can be made to say that all missionaries are volunteers. Since
they volunteer for service as a collaborator and participate
in work that Jesus himself began here on earth.
Missionary activities also require a specific spirituality.
This spirituality is rooted in and nourished by identification
and communion with Christ notes Fr. Marie-Eugene of the Child
Jesus. These lay missionaries differ from volunteers by the
intent of their work and the spirituality they bring to it.
Back to questions
4. What kind of teaching aids do you have available through Mission-education.org?
There are many teaching aid available for parents, schools
and parishes. Check under the age group you are planning to
work with.
Back to questions
5. How can I help my parish become more "mission" focused?
There are many ways to assist your parish in becoming more
mission-focused. One way is to work with existing parish committees
and ministries to incorporate mission awareness materials
into their respective programs. Some excellent materials and
resources can be found in the "Parish" section of
this site.
Back to questions
6. How can I have my school participate in mission education?
There are many school programs and activities available. Check
above under the appropriate age group. You will find resources and ideas for your grade level.
Back to questions
7. Are there mission education resources in Spanish?
Yes, under each of the target groups listed on this site you
will find resources available in languages other than English.
Back to questions
8. Why is it so important to establish Catholic missions in areas
where many other Christian churches already exist?
To share Catholic gifts! That’s the answer given
by one Glenmary lay missioner who went, with her husband and
young children, to establish a new Catholic church in Tippah
County, Miss., where there are already 187 other non-Catholic
churches. This is how she lists "the good gifts of our
faith" that she wants to share:
| |
• |
The incarnational and sacramental emphasis of Catholic theology. |
| |
• |
The primacy of the Eucharist and the urgency of the Church’s social mission. |
| |
• |
The beauty and contemplative quiet of Catholic prayer, liturgy, rituals and sacraments. |
| |
• |
The psychological and spiritual healing provided by the Sacrament of Reconciliation. |
| |
• |
The connectedness our litany of saints brings to the biblical "communion of saints." |
| |
• |
A strong sense of a universal, global Church. |
| |
• |
A certain feminine touch from the honor we show our Blessed Mother. |
Back to questions
|
