Greetings!    

We often fall into the trap of focusing on faith as solely a solitary endeavor - how I pray, what I believe, even who I help.  But looking back over the past month, it is abundantly clear that faith, especially as it is exemplified in mission, is communal.  This truth shines brightly and clearly in the history of Maryknoll itself, as celebrated at our Centennial Celebration on September 25th: It is fitting that the initial seed for the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of the United States formed not in one, but two people - Father James Walsh and Father Thomas Price - joined together as disciples of Christ's mission call.  

It is fitting that the Maryknoll parish in Seattle, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, was staffed by both the Maryknoll Sisters and the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, and run in true solidarity with the Japanese- and Filipino-Americans to whom it was home.  It is fitting, too, that when the Japanese-Americans of this parish were sent to internment camps in the 1940's, the Maryknollers followed, ministering with them in their time of great need.  

It is fitting also that, in Maryknoll Father Pete Byrne's homily at the Centennial Mass, the many branches of the Maryknoll Family - the Fathers and Brothers, the Sisters, the Lay Missioners, the Affiliates, and our generous benefactors - were each highlighted, their contributions helping to build the Kingdom, and their presence enlivening our celebration. A celebration that came together so beautifully due not to the work of any one man or woman, but through the collaboration of Maryknoll, St. James Cathedral, the Archdiocese of Seattle, former members of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, former Lay Missioners, Maryknoll Affiliates, and all of our friends and supporters.

Above all, it is fitting and exciting that Maryknoll's long history of collaboration and community in Seattle and the Northwest continues to this day.  It continues with the gathering of parishioners, deacons, priests, educators, and others at our Mission Symposium on October 2nd.  It continues with the inspiring work of the winners of our 2011 Youth on Mission Contest, and the fact that we are working with the Catholic Schools Department and the Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Seattle to introduce our 2012 contest later this month.  This collaboration continues also with our immersion and formation outreach to local teachers.

This tradition is present, as well, in the many local men and women that have spent time as overseas missioners.  As part of our Centennial Celebration, we collected some of their stories, and will begin to share them in this newsletter each month.  (Thank you to Corinna Laughlin of St. James Cathedral for compiling these!)

Looking forward, we should remember always that the mission of Christ is lived through solidarity and community, and through the sharing of faith, love, and resources.  Sunday, October 23rd, is World Mission Sunday, "a day set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church's missionary activity" (Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States).  We have highlighted Pope Benedict XVI's World Mission Sunday message below, and hope that you can join us in renewing our zeal for the infinite love, peace, and justice of Christ.

Thank you all again for your support, friendship, and commitment to mission.  Only through you is the work of Maryknoll possible.  If you know of anyone that might want to stay connected by receiving these mailings, please so that he or she can sign up.

Peace,

Kevin Foy and the Maryknoll Team

kfoy@maryknoll.org