Pope Francis exhorted that mission is a passion for Jesus and at the same time a passion for His people. He added that when we pray before Jesus crucified, we see the depth of His love which gives us dignity and sustains us. In Jesus’ command to “go forth”, we see the scenarios and challenges of the Church’s evangelizing mission, and how all her members are called to proclaim the Gospel by their witness of life. In a particular way, consecrated men and women are asked to listen to the voice of the Spirit who calls them to go to the peripheries, to those to whom the Gospel has not yet been proclaimed. 

The Missionary Cooperation Plan (MCP) helps promote the Church’s evangelizing mission, and the purpose of the MCP is two-fold. First, many missionary communities/organizations/(arch) dioceses are given a chance to appeal, personally, for prayer and financial support in our parishes. Secondly, we Catholics get the opportunity to be educated about current happenings in the mission world today. Each year from February to the end of August, each parish in the Diocese of Metuchen hosts an appeal/speaker from missionary communities, (arch) dioceses, or missionary organizations.  

Our diocese receives approximately 250 requests for inclusion in the MCP every year; only 39 “units” (groupings of parishes) are available. The Bishop has the unenviable choice of deciding which applicants will be welcomed in the Diocese of Metuchen. This office of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), works with the Bishop, the parishes and the appealing groups in facilitating the annual MCP. In practically all instances, donations received by the appealing group are sent directly from the individual parish to the mission office of that group to support their particular ministry. We ask you to welcome them and rejoice in the opportunity to learn and grow in your faith through the knowledge and experiences they share. These funds are used by the organizations represented by these Missionaries to support their ministry. Thank you for the support and solidarity you have already given -- and will continue to give in the future.