90th MISSION SUNDAY ANNIVERSARY 1926-2016

(04) 472 2210—p.o.box 43226 wainuiomata, hutt

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valley 5048—[email protected] mission Sunday

That all may have life!

Pope Francis shared openly his dream at the start of his pontificate. “I dream of a “missionary option”, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channelled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.” A missionary option belongs to the heart of God. One of the most hopeful truths that the Resurrection of Jesus has brought is expressed in the vision of the author of the Book of Revelation in the Bible: “See, I am making all things new (Rev 21:5)”. Mission today is well attuned to the very spirit of the mission of Jesus: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (Jn 10:10)”. This missionary spirit continues in the missionary Church that is a witness of mercy. This is the spirit that motivated me in choosing the theme of Mission Sunday 2016. Missionaries everywhere collaborate through their words and works that all whom they serve may have more life. The story of Sr Eulie and her work among the less privileged children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is just one among the thousands of works that missionaries do all over the world where the Catholic Church is present. Surely, all baptised are missionaries; and mission happens where we are. But World Mission Sunday is also focusing our attention to the missionary work of the Church beyond our backyard. And we are all invited to be of one mind and heart in prayer and generosity with this mission that all may have life. Celebrate Mission Sunday. Celebrate your life as a missionary. 2

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THE STORY BEHIND OUR MISSION POSTER 2016 Glyzelle Palomar and Jun Chura lived for years in the streets of Manila as abandoned children. They have experienced sickness and hunger many times, and were even victims of abuse. But through a Catholic Foundation that works with children, both of them have been offered a place in an orphanage and a chance to study — an opportunity given that they may find purpose in their life, that they may have life!

MASS FOR THE NEW EVANGELIZATION* ENTRANCE ANTIPHON [Cf. Ps 105 (104): 3-4, 5] Glory in his holy name; let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice. Turn to the Lord and his strength; remember the wonders he has done.

COLLECT O God, who in the power of the Holy Spirit have sent your Word to announce good news to the poor, grant that, with eyes fixed upon him, we may ever live in sincere charity, made heralds and witnesses of his Gospel in all the world. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS Graciously sanctify these gifts, we pray, O Lord, and kindly receive our humble offering, that our bodies may become a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you, and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, not according to the old humanity but according to your Spirit. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Lk 4: 18-19

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The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to announce the good news, to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord, and a day of redemption. That all may have life!

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PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Having renewed us in mind by the nourishment of the precious Body and Blood of your Son, graciously grant us, O Lord, a changed heart and a new spirit that we may walk with perseverance in newness of life. Through Christ our Lord.

* This is the Mass for the New Evangelization as commissioned by Pope Benedict XVI. You may want to use a Red Vestment to highlight the presence of the Holy Spirit in the missionary work of the Church. The Red Vestments may also bring the love and dedication in the work of missionaries of both in the past and the present

that we are part of. Thank you for your financial gifts that we will send to the young and poor Catholic Dioceses in the developing world. Our community here at _________________ has contributed _________________, and we will forward this to the Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies through MISSIO-NZ. If you still want to make a donation to the missionary work of the Church overseas, please contact MISSIO-NZ or go to their website: www.missio.nz. On behalf of MISSIO-NZ and Pope Francis, Thank You! And the National Director of MISSIO-NZ wants this blessing for you: “May only goodness and kindness follow you all the days of your lives.”

Ex aedibus Congregationis de Cultu Divino et Disciplina Sacramentorum, die 24 mensis septembris 2012. Antonius Card. Cañizares Llovera Praefectus

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ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 30 OCTOBER 2016 SUNDAY BULLETIN

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 16 October 2016—The week before Mission Sunday

You may copy and paste this announcement to your parish bulletin. E data is sent through your parish e-mail.

Pope Francis in his Mission Sunday Message last week said, “The Church, in the midst of humanity, is first of all the community that lives by the mercy of Christ: she senses his gaze and feels he has chosen her with his merciful love. It is through this love that the Church discovers its mandate, lives it and makes it known to all peoples through a respectful dialogue with every culture and religious belief.” Mission Sunday 2016 has come and gone, but the Mission of Jesus continues. His Mission is Our Mission: That all may have life. Thank you for your prayers and financial gifts for the missionary work of the Church

SUGGESTED ANNOUNCEMENT THAT MAY BE READ AFTER THE COMMUNION PRAYER – 30 October 2016 The 90th World Mission Sunday has come and gone. Let us continue to grow in the knowledge that we are missionarydisciples of Jesus. Let us help realise the Mission of God in our world today because our lives are also the setting where God’s Mission happens. Never forget, His Mission is Our Mission --- That all may have life. Thank you for your prayers for the whole missionary Church 20

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READING 1 EX 17:8-13 In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

A T H O UG H T The Amalekites are mentioned as a fierce nomadic tribe in the vicinity of Kadesh (desert south of Judah). They are often referred to as brigands, and have hindered the People of God from reaching and settling in the Promised Land. Moses mandated Joshua to choose some of their men to meet the Amalekites in battle. Meantime, Moses climbed to the top of the hill and raised the rod he carried with him. It was the same rod he used to defeat Pharaoh and struck the Red Sea. The raising of the hand is a gesture of supplication to Yahweh; the rod is the symbol of divine authority. Moses is the standard bearer of Yahweh. Every time his hands were raised outstretched, Joshua and his men had the upper hand in the battle against the Amalekites, and when he rested his arms due to physiThat all may have life!

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cal exhaustion, defeat was in sight. Hur and Aaron held Moses’ hands raised continuously, and the battle was won. The Missionary work of God through the Church is an endeavor of leaders and people. It is an undertaking of the active labourers and the contemplative intercessors. When one understands that daily routine completes one’s life vocation, one understands that everything contributes to fulfil one’s life, one’s mission. Needless to say, a believer works with the understanding that God is one’s companion and partner. Also, the companions in one’s journey are a support. There is partnership between God, one’s self and companions in the journey. God’s Mission is our Mission. We strive to make the world a place where all can live with dignity, for this was the aim of Jesus in his Incarnation: “That all may have life (Jn3:16/Jn10:10).

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

PS 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R. (cf. 2) Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me? My help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. May he not suffer your foot to slip; may he slumber not who guards you: indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps, the guardian of Israel. R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade; he is beside you at your right hand. The sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

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SUGGESTED ANNOUNCEMENT THAT MAY BE READ FOLLOWING THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION – 23 October 2016 Good Evening/ Good Morning, 90 years ago Pope Pius XI declared that the second to last Sunday of October every year be dedicated as World Mission Sunday. It is a call to prayer for the missionary work of the Church and also for all Missionaries most especially those who work in difficult situations. It is a day for us all to rejoice because we all share in the Mission of Jesus: “That All May Have Life, and Have it Abundantly”. In a special way we remember the missionary work beyond our own country and remember that there are people who have less than what we experience in New Zealand, both spiritual and material poverty. Understand this scene, for example: In the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in Cambodia, children are always the most vulnerable. Many children have no way to get to school for they have to work at a young age to contribute to the family, or look after their younger siblings. However, by supporting the MISSIO-NZ Appeal or by partnering with us through a monthly gift, you are helping missionaries provide education to them, and to many others elsewhere in the world where missionary priests, religious and lay workers are present. GIVE GENEROUSLY TO THE MISSIONARY WORK IN THE YOUNG CHURCHES IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. GIVE a helping hand that “All may have life.” If you have not given your Mission Gift yet, please obtain one of the brochures and an envelope which you may bring home and mail. Please fill them in with your data so that a receipt may be sent back to you. May I already thank you in behalf of the Pontifical Mission Societies and MISSIO-NZ. May our gracious God ever listen to the prayers of your generous hearts. God bless us all. May only goodness and kindness follow you all the days of your life.

That all may have life!

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ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 23 OCTOBER 2016 SUNDAY BULLETIN You may copy and paste this announcement to your Parish Bulletin

Pope Francis, in his World Mission Sunday Message for today, invites us all “not to close your hearts within your own particular concerns, but to open them to all humanity”. On this 90th World Mission Sunday we marvel at what happens beyond our homes, our neighborhood, our region and realize that God’s Mission includes the undying efforts and dedication that is alive in territories of the earth where millions of the “least of my brothers and sisters” live. The Mission of Jesus is alive! GIVE GENEROUSLY TO THE MISSIONARY WORK IN THE YOUNG CHURCHES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. YOUR GIFTS BRING LIFE.

The LORD will guard you from all evil; he will guard your life. The LORD will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever. R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

A THOUGHT This prayer lays bare a fundamental profound wisdom of a true believer: God who is the Creator of all empowers, sustains and protects continuously his creatures. Every believer is an expression of God’s continuous Mission. God sustains his missionaries. All believers are sustained by God for all baptised are missionaries. READING 2 2 TM 3:14-4:2 Beloved: Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching

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A THOUGHT Timothy gives the raison d'être of Scripture: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” Just as the sun gives light and warmth to boost growth and healthy life in plants, so is scripture as the inspired word of God for believers. Missionaries are believers rooted in the Word and Sacraments of God.

ALLELUIA HEB 4:12 R. Alleluia, alleluia. The word of God is living and effective, discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart. R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL LK 18:1-8 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her 8

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SUGGESTED ANNOUNCEMENT THAT MAY BE READ AFTER THE COMMUNION PRAYER – 16 October 2016 * Good Morning (Good Evening). I am speaking on behalf of the Pontifical Mission Societies which is also called MISSIO-NZ. Next Sunday, 23 October 2016, is the 90th World Mission Sunday. It is a reminder that this is a day to celebrate our being partners in the Mission of God. God’s Mission is Our Mission. Pope Francis captured the very heart of Jesus’ mind when he coined the word: “missionary-disciples” in his apostolic letter, The Joy of the Gospel. As Catholics we all are called to be his disciples, and we are sent out as his missionaries. WORLD MISSION SUNDAY is a day when we celebrate God’s Mission as Our Mission. It is a celebration that looks at ourselves and our life and work here and now. It is also a celebration that invites us to look beyond the confines of our own selves, our own home, our own backyard, our own community, our own diocese AND REMEMBER THAT THERE IS A BIGGER WORLD OUT THERE! We are invited to pray for those who are less privileged than us. MISSIO-NZ encourages us also to CARE FOR THE CARERS* May you also consider donating (delete to give some financial gift) to the communities in other needy dioceses and parishes in foreign lands and assist them to be more effective in proclaiming the message of Jesus: “That All May Have Life, and have it more abundantly.” May God ever listen to the prayers of your generous hearts. And may only goodness and kindness follow you all the days of your lives. Thank you for listening. Have a great day (evening). *FOR THE SPEAKER’S INFORMATION ONLY. Many groups in the Catholic Church may fundraise for those who work among the poor and destitute. Only the Pontifical Mission Societies (MISSIO) will extend help ALSO for the construction or refurbishment of churches, chapels, presbyteries, convents, parish halls in poor dioceses. MISSIONZ cares for the carers. If no one will take care of the leaders, soon those whom they shepherd may have no leader at all. “When the earthquake in Haiti happened, many gave emergency assistance to the victims. But when the rebuilding began, assistance was also necessary to help rebuild the churches, convents and presbyteries?”

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ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MISSION SUNDAY *

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 16 OCTOBER 2016 SUNDAY BULLETIN You may cut and paste this announcement for your bulletin. NEXT WEEKEND OUR PARISH WILL BE CELEBRATING WORLD MISSION SUNDAY. It is the day when we celebrate who we are as Christians: missionary-disciples. It is a day of prayer. It is also a day when we are invited to look beyond our local Church in New Zealand and assist through financial gift the missionary work needed in the young dioceses in many developing countries. An example of this work is the pastoral reach out of Sr Eulie and the Daughters of Charity in Cambodia. They help provide the country’s most vulnerable children with emotional and spiritual support, as well as an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and gain a future through education. COME AND LEND YOUR SUPPORT TO THIS APPEAL, “THAT ALL MAY HAVE LIFE.”

A SPECIAL REQUEST

TO PARISH PRIEST / COMMUNITY LEADER / SECRETARY May I request the leadership of your Community to please ask a community member to make an announcement after the Communion Prayer to highlight the importance of Mission Sunday. Thank you and may God bless you.

A THOUGHT I have been brought up to understand that this gospel story focuses its gaze on the idea of what a “judge” is. That God, unlike the "dishonest" judge in Jesus’ story will not be slow to attend to the call of his subjects. Lately, the statement “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” made me shift my focus. The insistent subject seeking justice has become the primary character of the story; and I characterize him as God. Yes, the seeker of justice is the God who continuously pleads and seeks for justice. The human person is the judge to whose heart God appeals. God never gives up on any of his creatures. And God’s Mission is to bring out the best in us humans that all may have life. Justice happens when humans enable the dream of God to become real in our midst. A believer who is a missionary facilitates justice that all may have life. The story behind the picture in the poster of Mission Sunday 2016 is a story that fits well to assist understanding of this Sunday’s gospel.

* e-data of these announcement will be sent by email to your parish email address. If you don’t receive them please e-mail us at [email protected] 16

lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

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Two Children, Jun and Glyzelle, are being embraced by Pope Francis. The picture was taken on the occasion of the meeting of Pope Francis with the Filipino youth. Both of them fled from their family, due to poverty, while still under 10 and sought refThat all may have life!

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uge among the street kids of Manila. Like all street kids, they lived begging, stealing, and even scavenging scraps from waste bins. Like all street kids they were subjected to a life vulnerable to the abuse of predators. Jun was requested to share his story and completed his sharing. Glyzelle broke down in tears after few lines with a question, Why are there people who abuse children. She could not proceed with her story and was led before Pope Francis who met both of them with an embrace from the heart. Both children who lived in the streets, and for a period of time believed that was the best that life could offer them, were given an option to live in an orphanage. They were also given a chance to study. The children accepted both offers.

Message on this Year of Mercy invites us to consider reaching out and generously offer our talents, creativity, wisdom and experience in order to bring the message of God’s tenderness and compassion to the entire human family. The story of little Maly, from Phnom Penh whose story we briefly saw in the video, demonstrates how missionaries on the ground concretely expresses that mercy of God that Pope Francis encourages us to witness to. The Catholic Church reaches out to them through missionaries who offers education that can give them joy and accompaniment now; and hope for a future which they may own. Mission Sunday is also a day of Thanksgiving for all believers who value their whole life as a participation in the Mission of God. Just like in the gospel of today, the Tax collector kept God as the focus of his prayers, so may our focus be on the merciful and compassionate God. Jesus who became the original Missionary from the Father in his Incarnation, life, death and resurrection, so he soon becomes in this Eucharistic Celebration the Bread that can give strength to us his pilgrim missionaries. Like the Tax collector in the gospel today, may we leave this place justified and blessed.

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Maly and her sister. They are from Phnom Penh, Cambodia 15

GOSPEL LK 18:9-14

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

A THOUGHT The prayer of the Pharisee was addressed to himself; he was so self-absorbed. It has been his lifetime goal and focus: to honour himself alone. The Tax-Collector addressed his prayers to God, affirming his imperfection and upholding the greatness of God. Mission Sunday is a celebration of our being missionaries. Missionaries are people who pray to God, aware of their limitations but upholds the mercy and compassion of God. Missionaries are people who after raising their hands in prayer reaches out to others to pass on the mercy of God. The Catholic Church is missionary. Our baptism has commissioned us be envoys of God, and participate in the Mission of Jesus who incarnated among us that all may have life.

MISSION SUNDAY—23 OCTOBER 2016 FIRST READING The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.

A THOUGHT Sirach or Ecclesiasticus is a collection of ethical wisdom which includes an understanding of the “heart” of God. It proclaims a general understanding that God is impartial, but has a certain “fragility” – God has a soft side for the oppressed, orphans and widows. He has ears for those who serves willingly, and the prayer of the lowly is heart with surety. The lowly is not one who denigrates one’s true value, but finds one’s rightful place in relation to others and to God. One recognizes what he lacks and acknowledges the immense goodness of God whom one serves willingly. Sirach identifies such person to receive God’s attention, justice and encouragement promptly. Every believer who lives and dedicatedly serve is a missionary, an ambassador of God. An ambassador is no greater than him whom one represents.

Pope Francis in his Mission Sunday 14

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. The LORD redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

A THOUGHT A prayer that paints who gets the care of God. The poor is someone who is totally aware of one’s imperfection if not one’s lack. Such poverty does not completely strip one of his total value but allows appreciation of the gift that completes one’s being. “The Lord hears the cry of the poor” is a prayer of hope. It is a prayer praise, too.

SECOND READING Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, 12

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will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

A THOUGHT St Paul in his advanced age pondered on his life, and rightly imaged his being as a libation aware of his finiteness. It has been a life focused on its purpose powered by his faith. He relates his finiteness to cross-over to the life that awaits him beyond. Paul experienced abandonment of human support but has always trusted in the assistance of God. He confided on the faithfulness of God. To be an effective missionary, one has to recognize and affirm God’s faithfulness in spite of the experiences of human abandonment. It is this God experience that gives the missionary perseverance and dedication as in the life of St Paul. ALLELUIA

2 C OR 5 :19

R. Alleluia, alleluia. God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of salvation. R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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