Promoting our Mission
Chapel at the foundation house in Lyon
We are a Missionary Congregation founded to promote and witness to the faith. The Mass is so important to the lives of all Christians. It is the central act of worship in the life of a Catholic. Going to Mass is about spending time with God and also receiving his graces (inner strength to live the Christian life). The name ‘Mass’ comes the final blessing said by the priest in Latin ‘Ite missa es’ which appears to indicate “dismissal” but now well understood as the starting point:
The faithful at the end of Mass are “sent out” just as Jesus Christ sent his disciples out to the world to take his teaching to them.
The Mass is the centre of the Catholic Church because Jesus Christ is at the centre of Catholic life and worship. The Church still professes, as it has for two millennia, that the Mass is nothing less than Jesus Christ himself.
These few words at the end of Mass express the missionary nature of the Church. Pope Benedict approved the phrase, “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord”
The People of God are helped to understand more clearly this essential dimension of the Church’s life, taking the dismissal at the end of Mass as a starting point for what lies ahead of them, be that in life or the week ahead.
The Mass is central to the work, life and mission of the SMA and we offer you a number of ways to enable you to become involved spiritually in our missionary outreach. This involvement is not only a spiritual participation in our mission but also provides valuable support to our missionaries in the field.
Income from these cards goes to support our missionaries and their work and towards the training of our seminarians.
The Prayer
Begin with a reflection on the Gospel of St John 17:24 – 26
Then say the prayer: I commend to you gentle and loving Father all who have been freed by the power of your son from slavery to sin and death. Make haste to bring them to the fullness of life and happiness with you. Purify them from all that is not holy so that they may dwell in the mystery of your perfect love forever. Amen
Say the: Our Father …………Hail Mary …………..Glory be to the Father …………..
Amen