COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL. Matthew is the only one who narrates this pericope we know as “Last Judgement”. It captures what Jesus candid- ly said in Matthew 20:28 “Be like the Son of Man, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life to redeem many.” Missionary-disciples are called to wake up the world to lead to service. Pope Francis in his re- cent Visit to Cuba, was short and candid during the Mass at Havana’s Revolution Square: [Quien no vive para servir, no sirve para vivir] “One who does not live to serve, does not deserve to live.”

This Mission Sunday all the faithful in New Zealand are heartened to be part of the “sheep group” of our Gospel today. In his latest encyclical “Laudato Si,” Pope Francis (paragraphs 27-31) addresses the issue of lack of clean and healthy water. Mission today is not only about talking about faith, but bringing about transformative realities. “Wake Up the World” is call to help the human person create “sheep-groups” that can uplift human dignity. We appeal to support projects that can help create sources of clean and healthy water primarily in Madagascar as well in other developing countries most especially to give children a healthy life. Clean water can lead to the understanding of Jesus as the Living Water. Missionary work today aims not only to speak about the spiritual but also to make sure that something concrete can be realised.

2 Mission Sunday 2015

GOSPEL MESSAGE OF POPE FRANCIS At that time, Jesus said: “When the Son of man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his FOR WORLD MISSION DAY seat on his throne of glory. All nations will be assembled 2015 before him and he will separate people one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats. Dear Brothers and Sisters, and “Go forth”. Those who fol- He will place the sheep on his right hand and the goats on The World Mission Sunday 2015 low Christ cannot fail to be mis- sionaries, for they know that his left. Then the King will say to those on his right hand, takes place in the context of the Year of Consecrated Life, Jesus “walks with them, speaks "Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take as your to them, breathes with them. heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the founda- which provides a further stimu- lus for prayer and reflection. They sense Jesus alive with tion of the world. them in the midst of the mis- For if every baptized person is For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and called to bear witness to the sionary enterprise” (Evangelii Gaudium, 266). you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me Lord Jesus by proclaiming the welcome, lacking clothes and you clothed me, and faith received as a gift, this is Mission is a passion for Jesus you visited me, in prison and you came to see me." especially so for each conse- and at the same time a passion crated man and woman. There for his people. When we pray Then the upright will say to him in reply, "Lord, when did is a connection between before Jesus crucified, we see we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you consecrated life and mission. the depth of his love which drink? When did we see you a stranger and make you wel- The desire to follow Jesus gives dignity and sustains come, lacking clothes and clothe you? When did we find closely, which led to the emer- us. At the same time, we real- you sick or in prison and go to see you?" gence of consecrated life in the ize that the love flowing from Church, responds to his call to Jesus’ pierced heart expands to And the King will answer, "In truth I tell you, in so far as take up the cross and follow embrace the People of God and you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, him, to imitate his dedication to all humanity. We realize once you did it to me." Then he will say to those on his left the Father and his service and more that he wants to make hand, "Go away from me, with your curse upon you, to the love, to lose our life so as to use of us to draw closer to his eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I gain it. Since Christ’s entire ex- beloved people (cf. ibid., 268) was hungry and you never gave me food, I was thirsty and istence had a missionary char- and all those who seek him you never gave me anything to drink, I was a stranger acter, so too, all those who fol- with a sincere heart. In Jesus’ low him closely must possess command to “go forth”, we see and you never made me welcome, lacking clothes and you this missionary quality. the scenarios and ever-present never clothed me, sick and in prison and you never visited new challenges of the Church’s The missionary dimension, me." evangelizing mission. All her which belongs to the very na- members are called to proclaim Then it will be their turn to ask, "Lord, when did we see ture of the Church, is also in- the Gospel by their witness of you hungry or thirsty, a stranger or lacking clothes, sick or trinsic to all forms of consecrat- life. In a particular way, conse- in prison, and did not come to your help?" Then he will ed life, and cannot be neglect- ed without detracting from and crated men and women are answer, "In truth I tell you, in so far as you neglected to asked to listen to the voice of do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it disfiguring its charism. Being a missionary is not about prose- the Spirit who calls them to go to me." to the peripheries, to those to lytizing or mere strategy; mis- And they will go away to eternal punishment, and the up- sion is part of the “grammar” of whom the Gospel has not yet been proclaimed. right to eternal life.' faith, something essential for those who listen to the voice of The fiftieth anniversary of the The Gospel of the Lord. the Spirit who whispers “Come” Second Vatican Council’s De-

26 Mission Sunday 2015 Wake Up the World 3 cree Ad Gentes is an invitation tarian needs, is not consistent THE SECOND READING: Acts 13:46-49 to all of us to reread this docu- with the Lord’s call to be per- ment and to reflect on its con- sonally at the service of the Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, tents. The Decree called for a Gospel. In Missionary Insti- "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you powerful missionary impulse in tutes, formators are called to first, Institutes of Consecrated Life. indicate clearly and frankly this but since you reject it For contemplative communities, plan of life and action, and to and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, Saint Theresa of the Child Je- discern authentic missionary we turn to the Gentiles. sus, Patroness of the Missions, vocations. I appeal in particular For so the Lord has commanded us, appears in a new light; she to young people, who are capa- I have made you a light to the Gentiles, speaks with renewed eloquence ble of courageous witness and that you may be an instrument of salvation and inspires reflection upon the generous deeds, even when deep connection between con- these are countercultural: Do to the ends of the earth. " templative life and mission. For not allow others to rob you of many active religious communi- the ideal of a true mission, of The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this ties, the missionary impulse following Jesus through the and glorified the word of the Lord. which emerged from the Coun- total gift of yourself. In the All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, cil was met with an extraordi- depths of your conscience, ask and the word of the Lord continued to spread nary openness to the mission yourself why you chose the through the whole region. ad gentes, often accompanied religious missionary life and ------by an openness to brothers and take stock of your readiness to sisters from the lands and cul- accept it for what it is: a gift of Commentary on Acts 13:46-49 tures encountered in evangeli- love at the service of the proc- zation, to the point that today lamation of the Gospel. Re- This excerpt from St. Paul’s first missionary journey finds one can speak of a widespread member that, even before be- him and Barnabas in Antioch. They have attempted to pre- “interculturalism” in the conse- ing necessary for those who sent the Gospel to the Jews but are rejected. We note that crated life. Hence there is an have not yet heard it, the proc- Luke acknowledges that this word came first to the He- urgent need to reaffirm that lamation of the Gospel is a ne- the central ideal of mission is cessity for those who love the brews but since they have rejected it, the Gentiles inherit Jesus Christ, and that this ideal Master. the salvation they were offered. The Gospel now is pre- sented to the Gentiles who receive it with enthusiasm. demands the total gift of one- Today, the Church’s mission is self to the proclamation of the faced by the challenge of meet- “Wake Up the World” is a call for all believers to become Gospel. On this point there can ing the needs of all people to instruments of salvation. Mission Sunday is a day of cele- be no compromise: those who return to their roots and to pro- bration of our vocation to be Jesus’ disciples but also his by God’s grace accept the mis- tect the values of their respec- sion, are called to live the mis- missionaries. We are called to witness that the Word may tive cultures. This means know- sion. For them, the proclama- become alive again. ing and respecting other tradi- tion of Christ in the many pe- tions and philosophical sys- ripheries of the world becomes tems, and realizing that all peo- ALLELUIA. their way of following him, one ples and cultures have the right which more than repays them Alleluia! Alleluia! to be helped from within their for the many difficulties and own traditions to enter into the Come, O Blessed of my Father, for I was thirsty and you sacrifices they make. Any ten- mystery of God’s wisdom and gave me something to drink. dency to deviate from this vo- to accept the Gospel of Jesus, cation, even if motivated by who is light and transforming Alleluia! Alleluia! noble reasons due to countless strength for all cultures. pastoral, ecclesial or humani-

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(“See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover Within this complex dynamic, instruments, they share in her the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you we ask ourselves: “Who are the saving mission” (Ad Gentes, appears his glory”). first to whom the Gospel mes- 41). Consecrated missionaries sage must be proclaimed?” The need to generously welcome answer, found so often those who are willing to work Christ is the Light of Revelation to the Nations and all bap- throughout the Gospel, is clear: with them, even for a limited tised believers are called to reflect the same mission of Je- it is the poor, the little ones period of time, for an experi- sus. Pope Francis, in his Papal Exhortation, the Joy of the and the sick, those who are ence in the field. They are Gospel, calls us missionary-disciples. We are not disciples often looked down upon or for- brothers and sisters who want , but we are missionary disciples. These two charac- gotten, those who cannot repay to share the missionary voca- teristics are not optional, but are the essence of being a us (cf. Lk 14:13-14). Evangeli- tion inherent in Baptism. The zation directed preferentially to houses and structures of the Christian. This is the reason why our theme this Mission the least among us is a sign of missions are natural places to Sunday – Wake Up the World – rightly fits our mission – to the Kingdom that Jesus came welcome them and to provide be light that shines. to bring: “There is an insepara- for their human, spiritual and ------ble bond between our faith and apostolic support. the poor. May we never aban- The Church’s Institutes and RESPONSORIAL PSALM don them” (Evangelii Gaudium, Missionary Congregations are 48). This must be clear above R. Let all the nations know your saving power. completely at the service of all to those who embrace the those who do not know the May God have pity on us and bless us; consecrated missionary life: by Gospel of Jesus. This means the vow of poverty, they may he let his face shine upon us. that they need to count on the choose to follow Christ in his charisms and missionary com- So may your way be known upon earth; preference for the poor, not among all nations, your salvation. mitment of their consecrated ideologically, but in the same members. But consecrated men R. Let all the nations know your saving power. way that he identified himself and women also need a struc- with the poor: by living like ture of service, an expression them amid the uncertainties of May the nations be glad and exult of the concern of the Bishop of because you rule the peoples in equity; everyday life and renouncing all Rome, in order to ensure koi- claims to power, and in this the nations on the earth you guide. nonia, for cooperation and syn- R. Let all the nations know your saving power. way to become brothers and ergy are an integral part of the sisters of the poor, bringing missionary witness. Jesus made them the witness of the joy of the unity of his disciples a con- The earth has yielded its fruits; the Gospel and a sign of God’s dition so that the world may God, our God, has blessed us. love. May God bless us, believe (cf. Jn 17:21). This con- and may all the ends of the earth fear him! Living as Christian witnesses vergence is not the same as and as signs of the Father’s legalism or institutionalism, R. Let all the nations know your saving power. love among the poor and un- much less a stifling of the crea------derprivileged, consecrated per- tivity of the Spirit, who inspires Commentary on Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8 sons are called to promote the diversity. It is about giving a presence of the lay faithful in greater fruitfulness to the Gos- Psalm is a song of thanksgiving. These strophes request a the service of Church’s mission. pel message and promoting blessing, which through the Lord’s graciousness the nation As the Second Vatican Council that unity of purpose which is might be an example of faith others will follow. The Lord stated: “The laity should coop- also the fruit of the Spirit. erate in the Church's work of exhibits his blessing with bountiful crops, a life giving gift. The Missionary Societies of the evangelization; as witnesses Missionary-disciples are instruments of God that all nations Successor of Peter have a uni- will know the saving power of God. and at the same time as living 24 Mission Sunday 2015 Wake Up the World 5 versal apostolic horizon. This is why they also need the many READINGS charisms of consecrated life, to address the vast horizons of evangelization and to be able to ensure adequate presence in FOR THE MASS OF EVANGELIZATION whatever lands they are sent. According to the ORDO 2015 (page 112) if there is a spe- Dear brothers and sisters, a true missionary is passionate for the Gospel. Saint Paul said: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gos- cial celebration for Mission Sunday, the Mass for the pel!” (1 Cor 9:16). The Gospel is the source of joy, liberation and Spread of the Gospel may be used. Here are the alterna- salvation for all men and women. The Church is aware of this tive readings that fits well the theme of Mission Sunday gift, and therefore she ceaselessly proclaims to everyone “what this year. was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes” (1 Jn 1:1). The mission of the servants of FIRST READING: Isaiah 60:1-6 the Word – bishops, priests, religious and laity – is to allow eve- ryone, without exception, to enter into a personal relationship with Christ. In the full range of the Church’s missionary activity, Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, all the faithful are called to live their baptismal commitment to the glory of the Lord shines upon you. the fullest, in accordance with the personal situation of each. A See, darkness covers the earth, generous response to this universal vocation can be offered by and thick clouds cover the peoples; consecrated men and women through an intense life of prayer and union with the Lord and his redeeming sacrifice. but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. To Mary, Mother of the Church and model of missionary out- reach, I entrust all men and women who, in every state of life Nations shall walk by your light, work to proclaim the Gospel, ad gentes or in their own lands. To and kings by your shining radiance. all missionaries of the Gospel I willingly impart my Apostolic Raise your eyes and look about; Blessing. they all gather and come to you: Franciscus your sons come from afar, Solemnity of Pentecost and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. ------Commentary on Is 60:1-6 The Church sees in the images of Isaiah’s prophecy sym- bols of her universality. We hear echoes of Isaiah’s pro- phetic vision of the coming of Christ and what that means.

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Doxology and Great Amen:

Priest: Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy

Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, for ever and ever. The theme of Mission People: Amen. Sunday during the year of the Consecrated Life is “Wake Up the Word!” This phrase comes from Pope Francis. He said it in reference to his declaration that the Church must be attrac- tive.

“ Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, of acting, of living! Wake Up the World. It is possible to live differently in this world. We are speaking of an eschatological outlook, of the values of the Kingdom incarnated here, on this earth.” To Wake up the World through witness, by making the Gospel values come alive. Concretely, Matthew, verse 25:35, ‘I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink offers a simple but truly divine way of witnessing to the Joy of the Gospel.

BELIEVE. LIVE. This Mission Sunday, lead parishioners across New Zealand to make them realise that Mission Sunday is pri- marily a celebration of the good acts they have done over the past days, weeks, months in the places where they have found themselves. They have been and are missionaries! Let them see that their goodness has been the overflow of God’s goodness that they have been realising God’s Mission among us. They are missionaries! This is the primary reason why Mission Sunday is a day of celebration!

BELIEVE. LIVE. GIVE. Missionary Disciples is a recent termi- nology now being popularised by Pope Francis. We celebrate Mission Sunday also because we can also reach beyond our local situation: beyond our house, our workplace, our schools, or our community. Our prayers and goodness do not only stay locally, but also spreads beyond boundaries. This Mission Sunday we are called to remember those who are deprived of clean and healthy water. To Wake Up the World, that there is mission yet to be completed. Lead parishioners to reflect on the lives of people who exist in need of healthy and clean water. The Pontifical Mis- sion Societies work in Madagascar and many other places to help provide source of that kind of water.

There is also missionary work out there that is yet to be done that has also something to do with water, but more than just the ordinary water which is the Living Water. The proclamation of

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Christ that has been handed on to us, and grant that, by the power of the Spirit of your love, we may be counted now and until the day of eternity among the members of your Son, in whose Body Jesus through catechism and Schools in the city of Vatoman- and Blood we have communion. other formation program are dry on the coast of Mada- happening in many difficult gascar, has seen many children place. The prayers and the fi- fall desperately ill as a result of INTERCESSIONS nancial gift given on Mission the lack of clean water. Some Lord, renew your Church (which is in N.) by the Sunday are also used to help of her students have even light of the Gospel. Strengthen the bond of unity promote the reason why we passed away because of water- believe, live and give. Encour- borne diseases. Distressingly, between the faithful and the pastors of your age your parishioners to reach the dirty and smelly surround- people, together with Francis, our Pope, N. our out through their financial gifts ings are a constant spreading and prayers to support the life- ground for disease. Bishop, and the whole Order of Bishops, that in a saving practical and spiritual world torn by strife your people may shine forth as work of the Pontifical Mission Thankfully, with the help of the a prophetic sign of unity and concord. Societies (MissioNZ) in Mada- Pontifical Mission Societies, Sis- gascar—to help provide the ter Rose has been able to build Living Water—including much eight toilets and six water Priest: Remember our brothers and sisters (N. and needed formation and religious pumps at the school, and also education— the children so provide essential training on N.), who have fallen asleep in the peace of your desperately need to have a hygiene and sanitation to the Christ, and all the dead, whose faith you alone healthy and full life. children and their families. Since installing the toilets and have known. Admit them to rejoice in the light of PLEASE GIVE THE water pumps in late 2013, Sis- your face, and in the resurrection give them the CHILDREN OF MADA- ter Rose has seen significant fullness of life. improvements in the children’s GASCAR THE LIVING health as well as that of the WATER THEY NEED whole community. Grant also to us, when our earthly pilgrimage is TODAY. However, there are count- done, that we may come to an eternal dwelling In Madagascar access to clean less children across Madagascar place and live with you for ever; there, in water for washing, cleaning, who do not have access to communion with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother cooking and drinking is scarce. clean running water and proper With no access to proper sani- sanitation at school which is of God, with Blessed Joseph her spouse, with the tation, distressingly, thousands making them seriously ill. Noel Apostles and Martyrs, (with Saint N.: the Saint of of children across Madagascar and Angeline’s children are just die from easily preventable some of these, and being farm- the day or Patron) and with all the Saints, we shall diseases like diarrhoea every ers living in poverty, they strug- praise and exalt you through Jesus Christ, your year . gle to provide the necessary Son. medicines meaning they con- Daughters of Wisdom Sister stantly worry about their Rose Rasoavololona, the direc- health. They urgently need our tor of one of the Catholic help today.

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In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took “Today at (name the parish With so many more schools in community) we are making our the chalice, gave you thanks and gave the chalice Madagascar waiting for toilets Mission Sunday Appeal. This to his disciples, saying: and water pumps, Sister Rose appeal is instrumental in estab- is desperate to provide life- lishing and sustaining parish saving physical water to many communities, their priests and TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT, FOR more children in desperate missionaries, as well as sup- THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, THE BLOOD need. What is more, seeing a porting pastoral workers and spiritual dryness in the commu- catechists who share their faith OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT, WHICH nity, Sister Rose is also dedicat- and often lead their local faith WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY ed to provide essential for- community. The Pontifical FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. DO THIS IN mation and spiritual support to Mission Society (MissioNZ) the children, so that they can raises funds and forms people MEMORY OF ME. have a successful and hope- for mission. It is the official filled future. Together we can mission give the children of Madagascar aid agency of the Catholic MYSTERY OF FAITH the Living Water they need to- Church, working to establish day. the Reign of God by building Priest: The mystery of faith: communities of missionary dis- ciples of Jesus, who share their People: A - We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and A VIDEO CLIP faith by proclaiming the Word, profess your Resurrection until you come again. IS AVAILABLE serving people in need, and or B - When we eat this Bread and drink this acting for justice and creation.

Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you IN OUR WEB- This enables us to reach out come again. through heroic missionaries and SITE. community leaders to help chil- or C - Save us, Savior of the world, for by From 1 October till 20 dren and communities in need, your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free. and provide vital training for October, a video clip seminarians and other young ANAMNESIS AND OFFERING: which was produced leaders. by the Pontifical Mis- Priest: Therefore, holy Father, as we celebrate the sion Societies of Aus- Today you are invited to reach out and support the life-saving memorial of Christ your Son, our Saviour, whom tralia will be available practical and spiritual work of you led through his Passion and Death on the for downloading. Pontifical Mission Society Cross to the glory of the Resurrection, and whom www.missio.nz/ (MissioNZ)in Madagascar—to missionsunday2015 help provide the Living Water you have seated at your right hand, we proclaim the children so desperately the work of your love until he comes again and we need to have a healthy and full If using the DVD: life.” offer you the Bread of life and the Chalice of 1. Briefly explain the purpose blessing. and theme of this year’s Mis- 2. If AV facilities are available, sion Sunday Appeal. introduce and play the DVD ‘I was thirsty and you gave me Look with favour on the oblation of your Church, Suggested script for intro- something to drink’. duction in which we show forth the paschal Sacrifice of

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3. Make connections to the the Living Water they desper- SANCTUS : readings of the day. ately need today.” 4. Conclude with thanks, and IT IS STRONGLY REC- link the act of giving to this OMMENDED TO USE All: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. appeal with the celebration of the Eucharist, a gift from God… THE POWERFUL STORY Heaven and earth are full of your glory. to share His grace, joy, peace ON THE DVD, BUT IF Hosanna in the highest. and hope across the world. YOUR PARISH DOES Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. NOT HAVE AV FACILI- SUGGESTED SCRIPT FOR TIES, PLEASE: Hosanna in the highest. CONCLUSION 1. Briefly explain the pur- THANKSGIVING AND EPICLESIS “Here at (name the parish com- pose of this year’s Mission Sun- munity) as we celebrate the day Appeal. Eucharist today, please consid- 2. Highlight the poster and Priest: You are indeed Holy and to be glorified, O er what gift you will give to theme. Pontifical Mission Society 3. Prepare your homily God, who love the human race and who always (MissioNZ) help the Catholic using the suggested Speakers’ walk with us on the journey of life. Blessed indeed Church in Madagascar and ded- Notes. is your Son, present in our midst when we are icated missionaries, like Sister 4. Make connections to the Rose, reach out and provide readings of the day. gathered by his love, and when, as once for the the Living Water the children so 5. Ask parishioners to pick disciples, so now for us, he opens the Scriptures desperately up the appeal envelope in front need to have a healthy and full of them. and breaks the bread. life. 6. Read the story on the

back of the appeal envelope to Therefore, Father most merciful, we ask that you Could everyone please pick up the congregation and ask them an appeal envelope so that I to take a moment to reflect. send forth your Holy Spirit to sanctify these gifts of can take you through it? To 7. Ask parishioners to be- bread and wine, that they may become for us the make a donation today, simply come a regular monthly donor place your gift in this envelope. from just $20 per month. Body and + Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. You can also become a regular 8. Ask for a generous one- monthly donor from just off donation using some of the $20 per month. Please include amounts on the inside flap of INSTITUTION NARRATIVE your name, email and address the appeal envelope details so we can thank you as a guide. On the day before he was to suffer, on the night of personally, send you your re- 9. Ensure parishioners ceipt, and keep you informed of complete their name and ad- the Last Supper,he took bread and said the the difference your gift makes. dress details. blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his Please note that the National 10. Conclude with thanks, Office of MissioNZ issues re- and link the act of giving to this disciples, saying: ceipt for all donation made. appeal with the celebration of

the Eucharist, a gift from God… TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT, FOR THIS I thank you for whatever gen- to share his grace, joy, peace erous support you can give to and hope across the world. IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU. this appeal. Together we can give the children of Madagascar If you are unable to 10 Mission Sunday 2015 Wake Up the World 19

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER play the DVD, FOR USE IN MASSES FOR VARIOUS NEEDS these notes may serve as the basis for a homily or presentation on THE CHURCH ON THE PATH OF UNITY the appeal theme. From the third edition of the Roman Missal, English Translation, 2011 Imagine the hopelessness you would feel if you couldn’t provide PREFACE your children with the very basic necessities such as clean water and proper sanitation facilities. Imagine the heartache and pain Priest: The Lord be with you. you would experience when they constantly fall sick and you People: And with your spirit. can’t afford the medicines which would save their life. And now, imagine how you would feel saying goodbye to your own child… Priest: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord. You might know the country of Madagascar because of the mov- ies, but what you might not know is that in this small country, Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. which is surrounded by water, access to clean water for washing, People: It is right and just. cleaning, cooking and drinking is in- credible scarce, and really only availa- ble to the wealthy few. Priest: It is truly right and just to give you thanks and raise to you a hymn of glory and praise, O Distressingly, due to the urgent lack of clean water and proper sanitation, Lord, Father of infinite goodness. thousands of children across Madagas- car die from easily preventable diseas- For by the word of your Son’s Gospel you have es like diarrhoea every year. brought together one Church from every people, Daughters of Wisdom Sister Rose Ra- tongue, and nation, and, having filled her with life soavololona has run the Catholic School in the city of Vatomandry on by the power of your Spirit, you never cease the east coast of Madagascar for the through her to gather the whole human race into past twelve years. During this time she has seen many children fall desperately one. ill as a result of the lack of clean water. Some of her students have even Manifesting the covenant of your love, she passed away because of waterborne diseases. Distressingly, the dirty and dispenses without ceasing the blessed hope of smelly surroundings are a constant your Kingdom and shines bright as the sign of your spreading ground for disease. faithfulness, which in Christ Jesus our Lord you (Make link to the Mission Sunday Poster). promised would last for eternity. Thankfully, with the help of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Sister Rose has been able to build eight toilets and six water pumps at And so, with all the Powers of heaven, we worship the school, and also provide essential training on hygiene and you constantly on earth, while, with all the Church, sanitation for the children and their families. Since installing the toilets and water pumps in late 2013, Sister Rose has seen sig- as one voice we acclaim: nificant improvements in the children’s health as well as that of the whole community. 18 Mission Sunday 2015 Wake Up the World 11

As Sister Rose says, are crying out “I have no water to drink”. We offer our prayers “Before we had the water “The water is dirty and it through Christ our Lord. pumps from The Pontifical is making us sick. The Amen. Mission Societies, the area children often have around the school was stomach aches and diar- PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS very dirty and stinky, es- rhoea because of the Look, O Lord, upon the face of your Christ, pecially during the hot dirty water, which is who handed himself over as a ransom for all, summer days. The chil- very upsetting for us as so that through him, dren including their parents. Most of the from the rising of the sun to its setting, clothes and workbooks time we cannot afford your name may be exalted among nations were also dirty as they the medicines for the could not wash their and in every place a single offering children to get better, may be presented to your majesty. hands using the and we are forced to use Through Christ our Lord. bathroom and playing out- local medicines such as side. leaves, or to sell our Many many students were chickens to buy proper PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION falling sick all the time… medicine.” Nourished by these redeeming gifts, (Now) I have seen great we pray, O Lord, changes in the children. Families like Noel and Ange- that through this help to eternal salvation line’s urgently need our help. Being able to wash them- Distressingly, there are also true faith may ever increase. selves and keep clean has many more schools in Mada- Through Christ our Lord. increased their self confi- gascar waiting for toilets and water pumps, including the dence and eagerness to FINAL BLESSING learn.” Catholic High School in Vato- mandry run by Sister Rose. Sis- O God. We pray that you help us to be instruments ter Rose does not only need (If possible link the readings of of your love so that we can grow in community, our help to provide physical the day to the theme of ’I was water for the children in Mada- grow in service and grow in our knowledge of love thirsty and you gave me some- gascar, but also the Living Wa- thing to drink’). for you. Let your love strengthen us and fill the ter gained through spiritual world as we go out in the name of the Father and activities. Having dedicated her However, there are still count- own life to the Lord, Sister of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. less children across Madagascar Rose knows the joy, hope and who does not have access to Amen. love a strong faith can bring to clean running water and proper one’s life. Seeing a spiritual sanitation at school. Noel and dryness in the community and Angeline’s children are just the children at the school, she some of these. To add to desperately need Catholic reli- this, their closest water source, gious education materials for the nearby rice fields, contains the children, such as bibles, dirty water which also often posters and catechism materi- causes illness, especially in the als, so that she can help form children. As Noel says, them in the name of Christ, so

12 Mission Sunday 2015 Wake Up the World 17

continue their life saving work in providing the ‘Living that they too will know His block at a school. Proper sani- Water’ that never runs out, both spiritually and physically. love, and have a successful and tation is essential for children hope-filled future. to stay healthy, and to stop the May God inspire us all to share his Living Water with each spread of diseases like diar- other and the world. (Please ask the congregation to rhoea, which causes thousands pick up the appeal envelope of deaths across the world each Response: God of , hear our prayer. and refer to the inside flap). year.

I ask you to please pick up the Simply place your gift in the For the Holy Father, Pope Francis, our Bishop…and Priests. appeal envelope in front of you Mission Sunday Appeal enve- May they continue to be witnesses of your love, inspired by the and have a look at the inside lope. You can also become a Holy Spirit to lead like Jesus did—with great love, humility, te- flap, where you will see exam- regular monthly donor from nacity and courage. Let us pray to the Lord. ples of how you can help mis- just $20 per month. Please in- sionaries like Sister Rose reach clude your name, email and For those who seek to serve Christ by serving others in need out with practical and spiritual address details so we can thank through special ministries here and overseas. support to people in urgent you personally, send you a re- May they be strengthened by being known and loved by you, need throughout the world—to ceipt and keep you informed of help provide the Living Water the difference your gift makes. that your work will be blessed and that the people you encounter they so desperately need to will meet Christ in you. Let us pray to the Lord. have a healthy and full life. Mis- I thank you for whatever gen- sioNZ issue a donation receipt erous support you are able to For all of us who want to live out our call as missionary-disciples to all donors. give to this appeal. Together and seek to be witnesses of God’s love by our actions, our ser- we can give the children of vice and by how we live. $40 covers the cost of Catholic Madagascar the Living Water May we continue to be open to serving those in need with our religious education materials, they need today. prayers, time, talents and resources both here and overseas. including posters, bibles and Let us pray to the Lord. catechism books, for 30 school children, helping them learn

about the Bible, prepare for the For the children in Madagascar and many other parts of the sacraments and have life to the world suffering from lack of clean water. full. May the children be spared from life-threatening water borne • $700 covers the monthly sti- diseases and have a future filled with good health and promise. pend of one missionary sister, We ask you to bless all missionaries here and abroad with all like Sister Rose, for six months, that they and their community need to provide for the needs of making it possible to provide children in their care. life-giving water to children in Let us pray to the Lord. urgent and desperate need.

• $975 could cover the cost of Celebrant installing one water pump. Hav- Loving God, as we come together as family around the Eucharis- ing access to clean water for tic Table we remember that we are fed and nourished by your drinking, cooking, cleaning and word and by our communion with you and one another. May we washing reduces the spread of disease and promotes wellbeing share this nourishment with others by our faith and actions espe- and learning among the chil- children posing infront of the cially reflecting on the children in Madagascar and other parts of dren. school toilet block. the world who • $1,700 could build one toilet

16 Mission Sunday 2015 Wake Up the World 13

THEME SONG FOR MISSION SUNDAY 2015 MISSION SUNDAY LITURGY

PASTORAL NOTE [from the ORDO 2015, p.112] If there is a special celebration for Mission Sunday, the Mass for the Spread of the Gospel may be used, even on a Sunday in Or- dinary Time. Normally Masses for Special Needs and Votive Masses are not used on Sundays.

THE MASS FOR THE EVANGELISATION OF PEOPLES

COLLECT

O God, whose will it is that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, look upon your abundant harvest and be pleased to send workers to gather it, that the Gospel may be preached to all creation and that your people, gathered by the word of life and sustained by the power of the Sacraments, may advance in the path of salvation and love. 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.

THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER

Celebrant Today we celebrate the work of the global Church reaching out to be the loving presence of God to the world. We re- flect on what it means to share God’s love especially with those who are lacking, that they need to live a full and healthy life. This year’s appeal is inspired by Christ’s words YOU MAY DOWNLOAD AN MPEG FILE FROM in Matthew 25:35, ‘I was thirsty and you gave me some- www.missio.nz/missionsunday2015 thing to drink’. We remember Christ’s challenge that what we do to others, we do to Christ himself. So with these words we are mindful of those who are hungry, thirsty, the stranger and pray that their needs are met. We ask God to inspire and encourage missionaries to 14 Mission Sunday 2015 Wake Up the World 15