We are grateful to the people of the Diocese of La Crosse for what is indicated in these year-to-year comparison charts. Your support of the Mission of the Church is clearly on its way to returning to the usual generosity with a sense of urgency on behalf of those in other parts of the world who suffer the effects of extreme poverty. 

 

The Mission Coop Program support improved from the summer of 2020 to the summer of 2021 by 55.6%, increasing from a diocesan total of $234,789 to $365,459. The program had indeed suffered a tremendous decline because it is designed to connect missionaries with parishioners during weekend Mass presentations and appeals. The extreme COVID restrictions at the beginning of the pandemic made the personal connection nearly impossible. As freedoms returned in the USA, missionaries abroad were still under lockdowns or other restrictions in their home countries. We tried to share the stories and many responded, but the charts reveal how the summer of 2021 enjoyed almost 56% increased success. As parishes begin to forward their collections now, we are praying for continued growth from the summer of 2022. 
 
The World Mission Sunday prayer and collection have witnessed a long decline in participation during the past couple of decades. We have much work to do to help reverse the trend. However, it is encouraging to see the rebound in this year-to-year chart. An increase of 41.4% is a significant growth in funds made available to missionaries who struggle in the normal day-to-day operations. In the wake of the pandemic and global economic struggles, they are even more behind in meeting the needs of their people. Therefore, we praise and thank God for the increased participation by the people of the Diocese of La Crosse in World Mission Sunday 2021. 
 
Particular missions also enjoyed an increase of support by 6.7%, which is remarkable. The numbers are steadier because the generosity is based in stable and trusted relationships within the world-wide Catholic Church. But any increase in the midst of economic struggles gives evidence of sacrifice made on behalf of others. Not included in the chart but available on their website is the Fr. Joseph Walijewski Legacy Guild and its continued missionary outreach at Casa Hogar Juan Paulo II in Lurín, Peru. The Guild continues to receive such great and growing support from around the diocese and beyond. Reflected in the chart are multiple relationships under the category “Other Designated Donations.” They involve parish-based mission projects and sister relationships. To name just a few, there are schools, diocesan centers and religious order projects in India partially funded through donors from the Diocese of La Crosse. Religious Sisters, lay missionaries and their mission outreaches are assisted in Tanzania, Lesotho and Uganda. Relationships exist not only between parishes in Peru, Puerto Rico, and Haiti but also with our own native Navajo Missions in Arizona and New Mexico. Again, not included in the chart but available on their website, Chalice of Mercy has increased its work in Ukraine exponentially in the wake of the ongoing war with Russia.
 
Faith is indeed strong in the Diocese of La Crosse and trust in God inspires us to help others. Thank you for all you do on behalf of the missions and missionaries building the kingdom of God. May He continue to motivate us in service of others by prayer and increasing generosity.

Contributions of PARISHES

from Parishes and Schools 2021-2022 – PDF

Contributions of YOUTH

from Parishes and Schools 2021-2022 – PDF

The Propagation of the Faith – a Pontifical Mission Society

The Mission Office assists the faithful of the Diocese of La Crosse in carrying out Jesus’ directive to his apostles before his ascension into heaven … to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Faith must be kept and guarded in our souls, but it must also be generously passed on to every person in the world. The Church must be missionary if she is to be the faithful spouse of Christ.

Pontifical Mission Societies

The Pontifical Mission Societies consist of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy Childhood Association, the Society of St. Peter Apostle and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious. The Pontifical Mission Societies have, as their primary purpose, the promotion of a universal missionary spirit – a spirit of prayer and sacrifice – among all baptized Catholics.

Fr. Joseph Walijewski Legacy Guild

Is an association of people dedicated to furthering the cause of the Servant of God, Father Joseph Walijewski, and providing continued support for the legacy he left behind. Padre Jose’s spirituality is rooted in seeing Christ crucified in everyone he met; especially the orphans, the abandoned, the marginalized and the poor.

Those devoted to Father Joseph Walijewski are encouraged to join the Guild and regularly say the prayer for his canonization, which is available online and on a special prayer card. Members are asked to pray for Father Walijewski’s canonization, report favors received and assist in the advancement of the cause.

To learn more about the life and works of Father Joe Walijewski and the cause for his Beatification and Canonization, please visit Father Joe’s Guild.

World Mission Sunday Resources

Learn More

Mission Coop Program

Learn More

Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II

Learn More

Mite Box Lent

Learn More

From Sister Carla Harrison (Daughters of Our Lady of the Pieta) in Peru:

We have many plans, projects, and needs at this time,  but today we must listen to the heart which tells us what is most urgent.  At this time of the pandemic, our greatest need is to help save the most fragile who suffer and are suffering because they are in need of oxygen (because of Covid-19).

Heartfelt thanks to you!  Because of your generosity, we have been able to buy and supply oxygen for the elderly and vulnerable in our retirement home, who urgently need this support.   In recent months we have suffered greatly because the oxygen cylinders were not available due to the great demand and need here in Peru.  Those that were available were 3 to 4 times greater the cost, but when it comes down to saving a soul, there was no questioning.   Despite the cost, we were able to

purchase 2 cylinders of oxygen, but when the patient is on 15 liters, not even a large cylinder lasts long, so trying to find places throughout Lima that would fill the tank meant large lines, long waits, and lots of expenses.   We were also able to buy 2 oxygen concentradors, which help for not having to continuously fill the tanks and scramble to find where they are filling them…. unfortunately the consentrators only reach to 10 liters maximum (so still didn’t meet the needs to increase their oxygen saturation)

Thank you for your generosity!     

I have had you close in prayer and in gratitude, and still do, for allowing me to do God’s work with love.
May we continue to pray for and support one another during this hard time for us all.

In Christ,
Sr. Carla

Mission Outreach Spotlight – Catholic Life Published 2016

Donations for Sister Carla’s mission can be sent to:

Daughters of the Pieta
Mission Office –  Diocese of La Crosse
PO Box 4004
La Crosse, WI 54602-4004

What does the Mission Office do?

  • Coordinates the Mission Cooperation Program for visiting missionaries in Diocesan parishes.
  • Distributes Mass stipends to retired and missionary priests.
  • Supports the Father Joseph Walijewski Legacy Guild and the Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II Orphanage in Lurin, Peru.
  • Coordinates La Crosse Diocesan student Lenten Mite Box collections.
  • Promotes the annual fundraising benefit dinner for Casa Hogar Orphanage.
  • Coordinates and promotes the annual Monsignor Anthony P. Wagener Mission Awards.

Appeals made through the
National Office

  • World Mission Sunday – for the propagation of the Gospel in mission territories.
  • Christmas and Lenten Appeals – for those in most need in the developing world.
  • St. Peter Apostle – education and formation of men and women who have been called to serve the Lord as a priest or member of a religious order in a developing country.

For more information go to: www.onefamilyinmission.org

Catholic Life Articles

Here are a few Catholic Life articles. To read the full article, click on the blue colored title.

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“There will always be poor people in the land – Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy …”
Deuteronomy 15:11

Contact Information

Mission Office
Phone: 608-791-2676

Rev. Woody Pace, Director

Marga Apel, Administrative Assistant