Chaplain's Reflection

Missionaries All

Baptised Christians are recipients of the Good News. All of us, not just clergy or those in consecrated life, are called to spread that Good News to the ends of the earth. Catholic World Mission Sunday, celebrated this week in Catholic Parishes across the world, reminds us of our call. When we think of “missionaries” we might have in mind St Paul or the black robed Jesuits or the beloved Franciscans or Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity sisters, but every Catholic is, by definition, a missionary and the Catholic Church herself is fundamentally missionary. So, we each have a mission but finding it and taking it up is our responsibility. Missionaries are the face of Christ to those they approach, and Christ’s face is always one of compassion and outreach to the needy. We called to be human agents of the saving power of God flowing into the world, as highlighted in the readings this week (Ex 17:8-13, 2 Tim 3:14-4:2, Lk 18:1-8), praying continually and working for true justice.

Pope Francis reminded us that, ‘Faith in Jesus Christ enables us to see all things in their proper perspective, as we view the world with God’s own eyes and heart.’ And Pope Leo reinforces this call: asking us to be ‘a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world’.

Catholic Mission is the international mission agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. It operates in over 160 countries to support initiatives in 1,100 dioceses, including remote Australia. Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, Catholic Mission forms Australians to go out on mission and raises funds for mission in Australia and around the world. Local Catholics identify grassroots needs, giving people the opportunity for a full, enriched life – physically and spiritually – regardless of race, stigma, religion, or gender.  

Few are called to work in far off mission fields, but most of us are called to mission closer to home and to financially support those further afield.  

Legacy of Pope Francis No 5:  Christus Vivit(Christ is Alive) (2019)

Taken chronologically this series is a summary of seven of the most important writings of Francis’ papacy.

Christus Vivit is Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation to Young People and to the entire People of God

In April 2019, Pope Francis released his post-synodal apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive!), addressed to youth and young adults and the entire people of God. This document is the Holy Father’s reflection and insights on the Church’s synodal journey which focused on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment from 2016-2019.

Christus Vivit is written in nine chapters

1. Scriptural Observations - “the Word of God”: youth and young adults in salvation history.
2. Theological Observations - “Jesus, Ever Young”: Jesus, Mary and the saints as young people.
3. Sociological Observations - “You are the  “Now” of God”: realities and challenges facing young people today.
4. Spiritual Assessment - “A Great Message ..” : Understanding three key foundations: God loves you, Jesus saves and suffers with you, and Christ is alive.
5. Development Assessment - “Paths of Young People”: transitions and pathways youth and young adults experience from the personal to the global.
6. Generational Assessment - “Young People with Roots” : Understanding the call to dialogue and co-responsibility across generational lines in the Church and in society.
7. Pastoral Action - “Ministry with Young People”: new models for pastoral ministry and accompaniment with youth and young adults.
8. Missionary Action - “Vocation”: Helping young people see their mission and service to the world. 
9. Synodal Action - “Discernment”: advancing a mutual listening (synodal) model of discernment in engaging youth and young adults. 

Deacon Mark Kelly

College Chaplain