World Mission Sunday

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.