Parish missions focus on strengthening faith during Lent

Click here for a list of missions throughout the diocese

“It’s time with the Lord and the community,” said Father Marcel Taillon, pastor of St. Thomas More Church, Narragansett.

“Every Catholic should take special time to be with the Lord,” he continued, adding that Jesus often left the crowds that followed him and sought solitude in which he reflected and prayed.

Father Taillon observed that mission participants can always be enriched as themes change from one year to the next and various presenters offer new insights as they preach.

“No two are the same, which is the great thing,” he noted.

“There are great offerings all over the diocese,” Father Taillon acknowledged. “It’s a great thing to do for Lent.”

Father John Soares, pastor of St. Thomas Church, Providence, said that younger Catholics can also benefit from attending a parish mission. He added that last year, members of the confirmation class at St. Lawrence Church in Centredale attended a reconciliation service held on the second night of the mission at St. Thomas and were so enriched that many students returned the following night for the conclusion of the Lenten program.

Father Soares said that people who cannot attend an entire mission can still be inspired by participating in an individual session because a different reflection is offered each night.

“Lent is that time when we are challenged,” Father Soares emphasized, adding that while some people give up chocolate or other favorite things during Lent and quickly return to the indulgence after Easter, attending a mission will provide an individual with an important spiritual message upon which to reflect upon during the Lenten season and throughout their lives.

According to Father Robert Perron, pastor of Holy Family Parish, Pawtucket, missions are “times of renewal.” He added that the word “mission” calls worshippers to rededicate themselves to the mission of the church and to their personal mission to teach Christ by their actions and words.

“I think that this is a good way of celebrating Lent,” he emphasized.

Father Perron said that some parishes are encouraging greater mission attendance through telephone invitations and by providing childcare.

During a mission that he will conduct with Pat Ducharme March 1-3 at Holy Family themed “Called and Gifted,” participants will be called to the altar to renew their commitment to the Catholic faith, and the promise that they made at confirmation. Parishioners who have participated in a pre-mission retreat will offer witness to their faith, while members of the congregation will be encouraged to share their faith with their fellow parishioners in the pews.

Franciscan Father Hugh Macsherry of St. Anthony’s Shrine, Boston,?Mass., will conduct a mission March 1-3 at St. Mary Church, Providence, themed “We are a Franciscan Community: A Call to Welcome, Love and Serve.”

“It’s a mission based on the mission statement of the parish,” Father Macsheey acknowledged, adding that he will use Scripture passages to illustrate the theme of welcoming others, and developing loving relationships that lead to a lifetime of service.

“I’m excited to come to Providence,” he said, adding that the community and the Franciscans have enjoyed a good relationship for many years.