Parish Mission Renewal Overview
Renewing the Spirit of Prayer, Repentance, and Reconciliation
Since 1525, Capuchin Franciscans have exercised a special ministry of
preaching.
In 1923, a mission band of eight men was formed to travel from place to
place preaching. Presently, there are four men involved in the full-time
preaching mission: Art Cooney, Michael
Zuelke, and
Richard Hart.
Purpose
A Parish Mission Renewal is an opportunity for a parish to set aside a week to deepen and clarify its faith response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Parish Mission Renewal evokes a deeper faith response in the committed members, reawakens and rekindles the faith of the ordinary parishioner, and offers an opportunity to the unchurched and other Christian faiths to share Catholic belief and worship. A Parish Mission Renewal offers the community a retreat experience at a local level.
Program
A Parish Mission Renewal is conducted by a Capuchin Preacher or a team
of Preachers who arrive in time to preach at the weekend Masses. The length
of the mission renewal lasts from Sunday through Thursday unless other
arrangements are made.
There is a morning Mass with a special homily plus an evening service.
The home bound and school children are visited where there is a school.
Evening Service
The evening service lasts about an hour. It consists of an opening prayer, a formal talk of 35 to 40 minutes, and time for prayer and reflection. Music is provided by the music ministry and choir units of the parish together with the full participation of the assembly.
Optional Session
An optional session is provided after the evening service either in the hall or church. This can consist of a video, discussion, sacrament of reconciliation, social, or a combination.
Topics
The topics are changed periodically and have a solid scriptural basis applied to daily life.
School Program
The school program is adapted to grade levels. The preacher(s) visits and shares with each of the classes the meaning of a Parish Mission Renewal. The preacher should be consulted prior to the Mission Renewal Week to work out the details of this program. The children are encouraged to promote the Mission Renewal through projects, posters, vocation topics, sharings with parents, etc.
Religious Education
Religious education classes are encouraged to attend all or targeted evening services unless some other arrangement has been made.
Promotion
As many people, groups, and organizations as possible are encouraged to be involved in the preparation and celebrations of the Mission Renewal. Areas of promotion would include public relations, worship preparations, music ministries, ecumenical dimension, bulletin announcements, invitations, mailings, prayer cards, transportation, telephone blitzes, etc., as well as projects to reach inactive Catholics and the unchurched. All groups, ages, businesses, societies, committees and interested parties can become involved in unique ways.
The Capuchin Preachers Office provides checklists and sample promotional materials months in advance. These include bulletin announcements, sample letters to parishioners, and suggestions for the week. The Capuchin Communications Office provides press releases for area newspapers.
Parish Staff
The pastor, associate, and all members of the pastoral leadership are strongly encouraged to be present and active before and during the Parish Mission Renewal. This sets a positive tone and projects a powerful message to the entire community.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
A penance service is part of the Wednesday evening session. Individual reconciliation is encouraged and provided. Additional priests are requested in proportion to the expected crowd.
Anointing Service
An anointing service for the sick and elderly can be arranged in the morning or early afternoon during the week.
Stipend
Traditionally, Capuchin Preachers have not asked for a designated fee, but request that a collection be taken at the final Thursday evening service. Envelopes are provided by the parish. The parish is responsible for air fare or lengthy travel expenses by car.
Expected Results
A phenomenal spirit of prayer, repentance, reconciliation, unity, a desire for spiritual growth, fellowship and outreach develop during the week of Parish Mission Renewal. The more prepared spiritually and organizationally, the greater are the spiritual results for the renewal of the parish community.
Follow-up
Each parish community is encouraged to conduct its own follow-up program. The participation and enthusiasm of the week usually projects the type and style of continuing renewal that may be called for in this particular community of faith.
The Capuchin Friars
The CAPUCHIN FRIARS have traditionally been involved in the preaching apostolate, especially Parish Mission Renewal. This website outlines the general pattern and procedures of a Parish Mission Renewal as conducted by Capuchin Preachers. Any parish community interested in more information or in arrangements for Parish Mission Renewal please contact the:
CAPUCHIN PREACHER'S OFFICE
3138 North Second Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-372-3620
r.jhart@sbcglobal.net