Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Bishops of Argentina have urged Catholics to take part in the 3rd National Church Support Campaign. In a Pastoral letter the Bishops write “We as the Church achieve much. We are grateful that Jesus sends us to the world and we are grateful for the generous work of priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful. But there is still much remains to be done to proclaim Jesus in every home and to let the Gospel transform our country into a country of brothers and sisters. This is why once again we ask you to share your talents, your time and your material goods”. This third nation wide initiative follows two successful campaigns. Broad and general in scope the national campaign is adapted to suit situations in parishes and dioceses.
This year’s campaign slogan "We are the Church. It is time for us to Share", underlines the responsibility of every Catholic to support the Church’s mission to evangelise. The campaign is held during Lent with the main collection on the 4th Sunday of Lent, this year 17 and 18 March, or another day set by the respective diocese. The campaign involves pastoral workers, families, religious communities, schools. However the organisers say a change in mindset with regard to support for the evangelising mission of the Church, calls for personal conversion on the part of the clergy and faithful which presupposes a parish community mature in co-responsibility, transparency, Gospel poverty, effective and exemplary solidarity.
As in previous years information is being distributed to parishes and communities. This material includes the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter to be read on Sundays and a copy given to each family; a leaflet on how to support the Church’s work of evangelisation; the Campaign Poster ; suggestions for liturgies. The Bishops’ Letter concludes "Many brothers and sisters need your responsible participation in the Church. Our country needs the testimony of an evangelising Church who shares her gifts to serve all men and women, especially the needy and the poor. The Word encourages us: give of what we have and what we have is the greatest happiness". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/1/2007; righe 32, parole 437)
