Lent 2008: Journey of Hope to Global Solidarity

This Lent, the Francis Xavier Missionaries chose to focus this month’s No Borders E-newsletter on hope that leads to global solidarity. We are called as Christians in this season of Lent to embark on a journey of the soul that leads us beyond the boundaries personal and structural sin makes for us all, understanding deeply that global solidarity is the Kingdom of God. As the US Catholic Bishops remind us: "We are members of a universal Church that transcends national boundaries and calls us to live in solidarity and justice with the peoples of the world. We are also citizens of a powerful democracy with enormous influence beyond our borders. As Catholics and Americans we are uniquely called to global solidarity." May our renewed conversion and faith this Lent lead us to build a new world. Read more.
 

Global Mission Spirituality - Christ our Hope

In November, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued his second encyclical, Spe Salvi, “On Christian Hope.” This document offers a sustained reflection on the essential nature and substance of hope. Hope come from our continually conversion from sin. The Holy Father helps us understand the vital link between our conversion and a new world order in His name.
“…sin is understood by the Church as the destruction of the unity of the human race, as fragmentation and division. Babel, the place where languages were confused, the place of separation, is seen to be an expression of what sin fundamentally is. Hence “redemption” appears as the reestablishment of unity, in which we come together once more in a union that begins to take shape in the world a community of believers.” Spe Salvi #14 Read more

Click for a free Lenten Reflection based on the encyclical "On Christian Hope"

 

Interfaith Dialogue and Collaboration: Iran Youth for Peace and Interreligious Dialogue 

Youth are often the agents of change. In much of what is said in US media about Iran, here we have an opportunity to see other forces of peace and dialogue at work.
The Youth group, "Iran Youth for Peace and Interreligious Dialogue," was formed in 2005 with the aim of having young people acquainted with different religions in order to improve the spirituality among them and to benefit from common spiritual values, values that can confront and quell the social conflicts among young people. The other objectives of this group can be mentioned as: creating a culture of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence and respect among young people of different religions, as well as offering a clear and real image of Iranian young people of different faiths. Read more

For Catholic American youth who are far Iran, however, these Iranian youth sparks concerns within all of us:

• As a Catholic, what do you think is our most important treasures to share with those who do not believe in Christ as we do?
• What do you think you could learn from other faiths? Have you had any experiences?
• What do you think are some values we all share, no matter what faith we are?
• What kind of world could evolve if dialogue was the priority over war?
   

Voting the Common Good

A record number of Catholic young adults are expected to show up at the polls in primaries and the general election for the next president of the United States.
As Catholic Christians approaching a crucially important set of national elections, we believe that we are being called in faith to assume an important leadership role. We must be citizens who are, before all else, disciples. Our religious faith and commitment demand that:
• we involve ourselves actively in the political process to address the nation’s problems,
• we work to turn the country toward greater justice for all, and
• we engage in that process precisely as disciples, guided primarily by the values of Jesus and his vision
of the human community in the Reign of God. Read more

Provoke Radio Program: Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good

“Our social problems need to be re-imagined and rebuilt to respond to our new contexts of global belonging and inter-connectedness."

 

Global Art and Culture

The Idan Raichel Project burst onto the Israeli music scene in 2002, changing the face of Israeli popular music and offering a message of love and tolerance that resonated strongly in a region of the world where the headlines are too often dominated by conflict.
While recent headlines are dominated by news of conflict and war in the Middle East, an Israeli musical collaborative has achieved success by looking beyond intercultural differences and celebrating the value of diversity.

Listen to the Idan Raichel Project.
English translations come with the CD. 

 

Issue #3 February 2008

When faith matters, how will you help shape the world?

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Christ Made Himself Poor For You 
What we Believe 
What we Celebrate 
How we Live 
How we Pray 
Lenten Radio Retreat 

Voting the Common Good Resources

• USCCB: Faithful Citizenship 
• Center of Concern: Voting the Common Good 
• Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good 

Interfaith Youth Opportunities

• Interfaith Youth Core 
• Days of Interfaith Youth Service 
• A Different Conversation about Religion 
• Curriculum for Starting Interfaith Work - PDF
• Acts of Faith Discussion Guide - PDF
• Building the Interfaith Youth Movement 

Church Teaching on Global Mission

• US Bishops To the Ends of the Earth, US Bishops 
• Teaching the Spirit of Mission, US Bishops 
• Best Practices in Teaching Mission, US Bishops 
• Mission of the Redeemer, John Paul II
• World Mission 2007, Benedict XVI

Global Mission Links

News from the Missions Worldwide
Focus on Mission for Young Adults
Mass Readings and Missionary Prayers
Mission Intentions of the Holy Father
Martyrs of the Xaverian Missionaries
St. Francis Xavier and St. Therese Lisieux
Justice, peace and integrity of creation e-newsletter

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Provoke believes the desire for social justice has long been a central theme, not only of our own Roman Catholic tradition, but of all the world religions. Provoke starts with that desire and engages you from the vantage of your own faith. As we explore issues of social justice and ethics, we do so within the context of inter-religious dialogue, and in the process, discover a rich treasure of common values. 

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Become a Partner in Global Mission

Become a prayer partner in global mission. Receive email alerts with mission concerns to pray for and resources to use.

Become a justice and peace partner in global mission. Email alerts will be sent concerning issues and tools to use to organize campaigns with others.

Consider some type of short term mission experience, or become a lay missionary. We can assist you.

Consider dedicating your life as a missionary priest, brother, or sister. Contact us.

 

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NO BORDERS:
PASSION FOR CHRIST -
PASSION FOR HUMANITY

The St. Francis Xavier Missionaries, in service to Catholic youth, young adult ministry and campus ministry, would like to present NO BORDERS as resource in the challenges of the 21st Century where US Catholic experiences of youth and young adults are more inter-cultural and inter-religious than ever before, and American Catholic life has broad, global implications in spirituality, morality, culture, politics, and economic outreach. The demands of faith in Christ have no borders, and that mission is driven by a passion for Christ in order to muster a passion for humanity. 

For a free brochure explaining how we can be a global mission resource for you in youth, young adult and campus ministry 

Contact:

Fr. Joe Matteucig, SX
Fr. Carl Chudy, SX
101 Summer Street
Holliston, MA 01746
508.429.2144
Email us

 

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