A huge ‘thank you’ to the supporters of Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries was the clear message at a Diocesan Mass held on Saturday 11 March.

St Chad’s Cathedral was a hive of activity as supporters of the ‘Red Box’ charity travelled from across the Archdiocese to celebrate the Holy Mass for Mission, including children from St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Birmingham, who have been learning about, and fundraising for, Missio.

Over the last 10 years the Archdiocese has raised over £3.8m for Missio – an incredible amount for the Pope’s charity for World Mission: It supports the Church in greatest need, where it is growing and where it is suffering.

The support for Missio across the Archdiocese is strong with thousands of red boxes in homes, parishes and schools and 210 Missio volunteers and secretaries in place.

Work is now underway to raise the charity’s profile even further in the Archdiocese with the aim of having a Missio secretary in every parish.

Fr Michael Glover, Parish Priest at St Teresa of the Child Jesus in Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, was appointed the Diocesan Director of Missio last year.

He spoke after Saturday’s Mass, along with Dave Wheat, Missio Regional Community Fundraiser (South), about forming a Diocesan Mission Team. Its aim is Missio Volunteers – Supporting Missio Volunteers, helping Missio to develop its presence in the Archdiocese and encouraging others to be Missionary Disciples.

“This celebration was a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to all those people for their support over the years, and to highlight the need to pray for the Mission of the Church across the world,” said Fr Michael.

“Our support for Missio remains steadfast and I would like even more people to be part of its future work in the Archdiocese.”

Saturday’s Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley, and Fr Anthony Chantry - National Director of Missio in England and Wales – was the preacher.

Fr Chantry spoke about his recent visit to Pakistan, visiting Missio projects and Mill Hill Missionaries facing a challenging situation in their country. Fr Tony said he was struck by how the people he met bore witness to the need for reconciliation and the love of God. His inspiring homily called all present to remember that we are all missionaries and have the calling to share the good news of the Gospel through our actions.

Fr Gerry Hastie from the Mill Hill General Council also attended along with other representatives from Missio.

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If you would like to get involved in the work of Missio please email [email protected] or call 0207 8219755.

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