"...it's not dogma, doctrine, or devotions"

Yesterday's journey was remarkable in terms of the disparity we witnessed among residents of what is considered to be a somewhat affluent middle-class community. It's certainly not the first time we have encountered such, nor will it be the last, but it provides a stark reminder of the economic challenges and hardships faced by many of our brothers and sisters, while simultaneously calling each of us to reflect upon the blessings we have. It also challenges each of us to go deeper in our engagement with, and outreach to, our neighbors. It reminds those of us whose choose to accept this "call" that we cannot sit within the safety and comfort of the four walls of the Church, merely praying for those who struggle, or supporting causes brought before us at Mass; clearly these are worthy endeavors, but, if we are to truly "take up our cross[es] and follow [Christ]" (Matthew 16:24) then we must walk with Him, and, for Him among our brothers and sisters, “Go[ing] into the whole world and proclaim[ing] the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).

A Missionary reflects on a "...flicker of hope"

I am so blessed to be able to walk this amazing journey as a Missionary of Mercy to help bring our message of hope, faith, mercy, prayer and love to our neighbors. Each time we begin our walk and end our walk, we stand and pray outside in the open to show others that we are not ashamed of our Faith. We ask our Lord to direct our steps and give us the words we need to bring Jesus to them, hopefully touching their hearts. We meet every person where they are at and let them know we are here for them, and we will pray with them and for them.

Every encounter is unique. Sometimes we meet someone who feels that their prayers fall on deaf ears. But they still ask us to pray for them and we always do. Sometimes during our conversation, we will see a little flicker of hope in their eyes.  I truly believe that little flicker of hope, will lead to the lighting of the candle of faith and eventually will lead them back home to God.

Missionaries of Mercy featured on Vatican T.V.

The Missionaries of Mercy were recently featured on Voice of the Vatican T.V. as our Pastor - Fr. Bob Grattaroti, was interviewed during his recent trip to Rome.  At the time of his visit we had just reached 300 home visits, we have now visited 1,304 homes in our Parish.

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Let us never be ashamed

"Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels." (Mark8:38)

During a conversation the other night a group of us considered the limits of individual willingness to publicly profess Christ (in word and deed) in any and every aspect of our lives. The discussion began to focus on one's general ability/freedom to speak openly of Christ when in a group of like-minded individuals (e.g. within the four walls of the Church), and, how people often tend to be more guarded with public declarations/actions of the Lord, when outside of that safety net. I began to share some of the experiences we as Missionaries of Mercy have had because of our willingness (despite our own personal trepidation at times) to "put out into deep water and lower our nets for a catch" (Luke 5:4). 

‘Missionaries’ visit Charlton neighbors

The following news article was written by and for the Catholic Free Press, by reporter/staff member Tanya Connor.

By Tanya Connor

CHARLTON – Lay volunteers from St. Joseph Parish are going door to door in town – to share God’s love.

As of Wednesday they had visited 1,092 homes, according to parishioner Thomas Creamer, who started this outreach, with support from his pastor, fellow parishioners and The Catholic Free Press.

“It was one of the responses to our Holy Father proclaiming the Year of Mercy, especially when he says, ‘Let everybody in, and you go out and welcome them,’” said the pastor, Father Robert A. Grattaroti.