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What is the Archdiocesan Mission Council?
The Archdiocesan Mission Council was established by Archbishop J.N.
MacNeil in October 1997 to create a greater mission awareness in
parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese. The council is
comprised of Archbishop Richard Smith; Rev. Michael Troy, CSSp.,
Director; Julien Hammond, Chair; and representatives of the Council of
Consecrated Women, Catholic Women's League, Knights of Columbus,
parishes and various school levels.
Purpose
- To create a greater awareness of mission needs
at home and abroad throughout the Archdiocese especially in the
parishes and Catholic schools.
- Ongoing education of clergy and laity in the
theology of mission and knowledge of and support for the work of the
Church in mission countries today.
- To cooperate with the National Office of the
Pontifical Mission Societies and other mission organizations,
especially religious Congregations of the Archdiocese that have
personnel working in the missions.
Pontifical Mission Societies
- Society for the Propagation of the Faith
- Holy Childhood Association
- Society of St. Peter the Apostle
- Missionary Union of Clergy and Religious
For further information on the Pontifical Mission Societies, contact
their website at http://www.missionsocieties.ca/
100 Years of Catholic Missions in Canada
There are more than 25 mission dioceses in Canada, including some in
Alberta, which are unable to support the work of the Church without the
financial assistance of other Canadians. In 2008, Catholic Missions in
Canada is celebrating 100 years of service to these missions and
missionaries. To learn more, watch CTS Television on Sunday, November
23 at 5:30 p.m. to see Catholic
Missions in Canada: Celebrating 100 Years! Or call their
toll-free number (1-866-937-2642) or visit their website at http://www.cmic.info/
World Mission Sunday (Evangelization of Nations)
Society for the Propagation of the Faith
World Mission Sunday falls on the third Sunday of October each year.
Every year more than $123 million (US) is given in universal
distribution to the developing world by the Society of the Propagation
of the Faith. Much of this comes from the World Mission Sunday
collection taken up everywhere in the world, offering universal
support, not just for one mission but for all missions, including our
own Missions here in Canada. Even the poorest countries take up
collections to give what they can materially, and very importantly,
they give their prayers and a depth of spirituality that enrich us all.
Each year, the National Office of the Propagation of the Faith sends to
parishes materials to help prepare for World Mission Sunday in the
parish. Included in the package, are materials for the Pastor, the
Parish Youth Group, Children's Liturgy of the Word and Catechetic
Coordinators.
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Holy Childhood Association (Children Helping Children)
Over 150 years ago, Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson, founded this
mission organization for children to help other children. Today,
thousands of children within the Archdiocese of Edmonton support
children in mission countries through prayer and sacrificial giving.
Each year we support specific countries as advised by our National
Office. This financial gift is used for children in orphanages, slum
areas, street havens, schools, hospitals, refugee camps and handicapped
centers. The money provides food, medicine, clean water, shelter and
education to the children.
Father Michael Troy, Archdiocesan Director of the Mission Council,
publishes a Holy Childhood Newsletter, for Advent and Lent, which is
distributed to all parishes and schools in the Archdiocese. The
National Office of the Holy Childhood Association also publishes
twice-yearly graded newsletters (Gr. 1-3, 4-6, 7-9) which focus on the
children in the countries that are currently being supported. They also
have videos, posters, activity sheets and Advent and Lenten materials
that can be ordered at no cost to the schools and parishes.
We ask that any funds raised for the Holy Childhood be forwarded to our
office, at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, in the form of a cheque made
payable to Holy Childhood Association. We will then forward the cheque
to our National Office. For more information about the Holy Childhood
Assocation visit their website at http://www.missionsocieties.ca/child.htm
Holy Childhood Association - In Our Parishes
Every year, more parishes respond to our call to become involved in the
Holy Childhood Association program of "Children Helping Children". It
appears that the children of our parishes want to play a role in
helping other children in mission countries. Some parishes invite the
children to come forward to the altar to drop their coins in a simple
jar at the same time as the adult collection. Other parishes make it a
part of their Catechetical Program, Youth Group, Advent or Lenten
Program. We extend a special thank you to all the parishes currently
involved in the Holy Childhood and we welcome all parishes to come on
board!
Holy Childhood Association - In Our Schools
The Holy Childhood Association is very active in our elementary and
junior high schools. The majority of fundraising takes place during
Lent; however, many of our schools make it their Lenten project in
preparation for Mission Day in May. Some of our schools have come up
with some very creative ideas for fundraising, while others keep it as
simple as sending the HCA mission boxes home with the students to be
returned at the end of the program. Father Troy and the Mission Council
welcome invitations for school visits at any time throughout the school
year.
Mission Day Mass for the Holy Childhood Association
World Mission Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday of May each
year. Since 1999, the Archdiocese has invited participation from all
elementary and junior high schools throughout the Archdiocese to gather
in prayer at a Mass celebrated by the Archbishop. Fundraising is not a
requirement to attend the Mass; however, most of the schools attending
have done some fundraising during Lent and choose this time to present
their cheque, made payable to the Holy Childhood Association, to the
Archbishop during the "Presentation of the Gifts". Students are invited
to participate in various parts of the Mass.
Society of St. Peter the Apostle - Chalices for
Missions Program
Any financial contributions made to the Society of St. Peter the
Apostle help finance seminaries in mission countries which are rich in
vocations but poor in financial resources. We are very grateful to the
Knights of Columbus for collecting many chalices for the Missions. This
program is on-going and chalices (old or new) may be dropped off at the
Catholic Pastoral Centre during regular office hours.
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