Diocesan Mission Policy
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In order to serve the needs of the people of God in the Diocese of Austin and to be responsible stewards of the gifts given to the diocese, the Diocese of Austin issues the following policy:
I. All parishes are required to participate in the Missionary Cooperative
Plan by receiving a missionary assigned by the Mission Office.A. All parishes are required to take up the Propagation of the
Faith Collection.B. All parishes are strongly encouraged to participate in the
Ashes to Easter program of the diocese.II. On occasion, parishes and schools receive appeals and requests
for financial support from other missionaries and groups.A. Since every parish is asked to participate in the above
mission appeals, additional requests may be accepted at
the pastor’s discretion.- Therefore, every pastor is free to invite mission groups
that he believes will help his parish/school fulfill its own
call to engage the Church’s missionary work.B. Pastors are reminded to acquire the necessary testimonial
of suitability for every priest/religious or a letter from a pastor,
bishop, religious superior for any missionary, lay, or religious
coming into his parishes or schools.- See Chapter V: Forms in the Pastoral Manual for what is required.
C. All funds collected from any of the above missionary collections
are to be sent to the diocesan Finance Office so that all checks
can be sent from the Diocese of Austin.- This provides complete financial transparency and accountability
III. The Mission Office is ready to help parishes to document mission
groups through reference to the Pontifical Mission Society list, the
Official Catholic Directory,or membership in the U.S. Catholic Mission
Association.July 20, 2012
Version 4.2
Contact:
Yolanda Sanchez
Office of Missions and Discipleship
(512) 949-2486