The Missionary Cooperative Plan Guidelines
The Archdiocese of New York
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
1011 First Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Those unfamiliar with the ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK are often amazed by the diversity it encompasses. Within the 10 counties comprising the Archdiocese, there are parishes in business areas and in residential neighborhoods. There are also parishes of all sizes in the sprawling suburbs and country villages. Some parishes serve thousands of people; others minister to smaller congregations. The ethnic and language diversity are also to be noted. In the Archdiocese, Mass is celebrated in over 24 languages. Many parishes serve long established groups along with recently arrived immigrants. Yet, all are an integral part of and have an indispensable role in the missionary life of the Church. THEREFORE, EVERY PARISH WITHIN THE ARCHDIOCESE (URBAN, INNER CITY, SUBURBAN AND RURAL) PARTICIPATES IN THE MISSIONARY COOPERATIVE PLAN.
THE PLAN HAS TWO PURPOSES: TO INCREASE MISSIONARY AWARENESS AND TO ENCOURAGE SUPPORT (SPIRITUAL AND FINANCIAL) OF THE MISSIONS. The visiting missionary offers the opportunity for the people to reflect on their vital role in the universal mission of the Church to spread the Gospel and the need to strengthen their concern for their brothers and sisters around the world.
The assignment of parishes to a missionary community is made in such a way that allows all parishes, no matter the size or ability to render financial aid, to participate while assuring the missionary organization of receiving sufficient support for its undertaking.
GUIDELINES
1 Please contact the Pastor IMMEDIATELY after receiving your appointment letter; so that the necessary arrangements can be made. The date of the appeal is at discretion of the pastor and you are NOT to use any envelopes or literature. After agreeing on the date and other details of the visit, please send a written confirmation to the pastor. All arrangements for travel to the parish and lodging are the responsibility of the missionary since not all parishes are able to provide overnight accommodations. Please contact the pastor in advance to finalize plans for your visit. You are to notify The Propagation of the Faith Office of the date and name of preacher as soon as you schedule the date with the pastor of the churches assigned to you.
N.B. Because of Archdiocesan Programs, it is requested that visits NOT be scheduled during February, March or April. Similarly it is requested that visits NOT BE SCHEDULED DURING OCTOBER SINCE WORLD MISSION SUNDAY IS CELEBRATED DURING THIS MONTH.
2. Your representative making the appeal should contact the pastor (IN WRITING and send me a copy) at least two weeks before the scheduled date as a reminder of the visit and to provide additional information, which the pastor may wish to use in the parish bulletin. e.g. name of the speaker, etc. Failure to do so may cause inconvenience and jeopardize the effectiveness of the Mission Appeal.
3. The missionary is expected to follow the liturgical norms governing homilies at Mass.
4. The success of the parish visitation depends greatly on the ability and interest of the missionary speaking. One who is well prepared and enthusiastic will elicit a greater response from the congregation. For a presentation to be effective it need not be lengthy. The speaker should be aware of the languages in which the Masses are celebrated in the parish. Arrangements should be made with the pastor to ensure that all parishioners have the opportunity to participate in the appeal.
5. The pastor will forward all proceeds from the appeal to this office.
THE MISSIONARY COMMUNITY IS *NOT TO ACCEPT A CHECK OR TAKE COLLECTION WITH HIM/HER FROM THE PASTOR. A check from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith will be sent to the Missionary community (10% of the amount received in the special collection will be deducted to defray expenses of the Missionary Cooperative Plan). No deduction is made when the collection is under $250.00
6. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THE REPRESENTATIVE MAKING THE APPEAL RECEIVES A COPY OF THESE GUIDELINES.