United in Faith: Together through the Mission Cooperative Plan
The essence of the Catholic faith is deeply woven into the fabric of service and compassion. This year again, as we renew our commitment to the Mission Cooperative Plan (MCP), we shine a light on the various Catholic mission groups that are championing causes across the globe. Their stories are not only a call to action but a profound testament to the needs of the missions and the incredible impact that we, as Catholics, can make through our support.
Faithful Servants on the Front Lines
Diocesan Mission Offices
Diocesan mission offices play a crucial role in the MCP as they coordinate and facilitate the work of Catholic missions within specific geographic boundaries. Their involvement brings attention to global issues such as housing, education, and evangelization. Through shared mission stories, these offices highlight how our collective efforts can alleviate suffering and spread the Gospel message.
Dioceses, Religious Orders and Congregations
The heart of the missions beats within the over 1,100 mission dioceses, religious orders, and congregations. These groups often deliver tales of initiatives that have changed communities through faith-led education, health care, and social services. Supporting these dedicated men and women allows us to extend our Catholic reach and love to those most in need.
Lay Mission Volunteer Organizations
Lay mission volunteer organizations encourage active lay participation in mission work, demonstrating that the call to serve is universal within the Church. These organizations often share inspiring stories of laypeople dedicating their time and talents to make a difference, thereby reminding us of our baptismal call to mission.
The Stories that Bind Us
Each mission group narrates an aspect of the shared Catholic story—a tale of love, service, and faith in action. For instance:
- A small parish in Africa now has access to clean water, enabling dignity and reducing disease, thanks to a diocesan partnership.
- A cloistered convent dedicated to praying for persecuted Christians around the world showing spiritual solidarity.
- A volunteer team rebuilding homes destroyed by natural disasters, a testament to the Catholic tenet of being our brother’s keeper.
These narratives underline the great needs of the mission—a need for resources, personnel, and, above all, prayer. The MCP becomes the conduit through which these stories of hope and struggle flow, connecting us to the global Catholic community.
Our Call to Action as Catholics
As members of the Catholic Church, we are part of a tremendous force for good in the world. When we support these mission groups through the MCP, we are responding to Jesus’ call to serve the “least of these.” It isn’t solely about monetary aid—it’s about participating in the Body of Christ’s work on Earth. It is in giving that we receive; in supporting the missions, we find ourselves more deeply rooted in the universality of the Church.
Your involvement in the MCP, whether through financial aid, volunteering, advocacy, or prayer, is a powerful act of love that transcends borders. It is our collective responsibility and joy to aid in these endeavors, strengthening the missions and allowing the Gospel’s light to reach the darkest corners of our world. Through these mission groups and their compelling stories, we are reminded of both the great needs and the significant impact we can have as Catholics dedicated to the mission of love.
Read on to witness the Mission Groups who need your support for 2024! (Coming soon April 29, 2024)
This page is being updated and will be available by April 29, 2024. For more information, please contact Sabrina Lopez at smlopez@la-archdiocese.org. Thank you.