DIOCESE—The annual Mission Appeal, a combined collection to benefit the universal Catholic Church, will take place at parishes around the diocese the weekend of Oct. 18-19.

In his letter to parishioners, Bishop David Malloy looks to Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Sunday.

“He says that our experience of God’s love gives us even more joy when we share it with others,” Bishop Malloy says. “Each one of us is called to proclaim our faith and encourage others, both near and far, to grow closer to our Lord.”

By supporting the Mission Appeal, diocesan Catholics can do just that. The collection includes these four mission appeals:

World Mission Sunday

The Propagation of the Faith’s General Fund of support was called a “central fund of solidarity” by Pope John Paul II. Offerings collected on World Mission Sunday are destined for a common fund of solidarity distributed, in the Pope’s name, by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith among the missions and missionaries of the entire world.

Last year, the faithful of the Diocese of Rockford contributed $238,294 to this appeal.

Membership in the Society for the Propagation of the Faith
www.onefamilyinmission.org

Those who wish may become members of this society by designating this appeal on the Mission Appeal envelope. Members pray daily for the Church’s missionary work, offer their personal crosses in union with Christ for the redemption of souls and donate financially whenever they can throughout the year.

Last year, 772 people participated from this diocese, and contributed $14,966.

The Church in Latin America
www.usccb.org/latinamerica
 
This appeal funds the formation of seminarians, religious sisters and brothers and lay leaders serving the Church, as well as pastoral projects that enrich the lives of Catholics in Latin America.
Last year, the diocese sent $5,000 to the U.S. Bishops’ Office for Latin America. This appeal also supports the Rockford Diocese’s sister diocese in Chulucanas, Peru (www.diocesisdechulucanas.org).
Last year, $17,152 was given to train leaders and promote their diocesan pastoral plan.

Missions in the United States

The Catholic Home Missions Appeal (www.usccb.org) assists poorer dioceses around the U.S., which the Black and Indian Mission Collection (www.blackandindianmission.org) helps local African American and Native American diocesan communities spread the Good News of Jesus and respond to pressing needs of those communities.

Diocesan needs

This annual appeal also provides an opportunity to give in support of diocesan Catholic elementary schools in need of financial support, and to the Rockford Diocesan Priests’ Pension Plan in support of the 59 currently-retired priests and those who will retire in the future.

Donations to all or parts of the Mission Appeal may be made by visiting www.rockforddiocese.org/donate.