RED CHAT: GENERAL MISSION WITH FR. GERRY

Summary

This video script highlights a general mission led by the Redemptorist, focusing on their involvement in a diocesan 50th anniversary celebration. The mission covered 30 parishes, where missionaries engaged with the local community, emphasizing evangelization, Eucharist celebrations, and personal visits. The script also showcases the joy and fulfillment of the missionaries, including both young and older participants, as they bonded with the people they served. The experience highlights the powerful encounter between missionaries and locals, underlining the importance of faith, generosity, and community involvement. The Redemptorist mission invites others to join and contribute to various ministries.

Takeaways

• 😀 The general mission covers a wide area of the diocese, impacting multiple parishes, unlike short missions that focus on one parish at a time.
• 😀 The general mission is typically by invitation, as seen in the example where the bishop invited the Redemptorists to assist in preparation for the diocese's 50th anniversary.
• 😀 The focus of the general mission is on evangelization, with a priority on engaging directly with the community rather than organizing large gatherings or events.
• 😀 Missionaries go door-to-door, visit homes, and interact with different sectors of the community, including men, women, youth, and children.
• 😀 The preparation for the mission begins months in advance, involving planning meetings with the bishop and clergy to set the message and methodologies for the mission.
• 😀 The key highlight of the mission is the joyful encounter between the missionaries and the people, which fosters mutual faith and community building.
• 😀 Missionaries experience personal growth and joy through their involvement in the mission, especially after spending time with the local communities.
• 😀 The mission is deeply rooted in faith, with a focus on sharing spiritual experiences and offering light to others.
• 😀 Many missionaries, including young people, seminarians, and even older members, enthusiastically volunteer to participate in the mission, enriching their own faith.
• 😀 The Redemptorist mission is open to everyone, regardless of prior experience, with a variety of ways to participate based on individual interests and skills.
• 😀 The mission involves some logistical challenges, such as navigating strong currents and traveling by boat, but the missionaries maintain a sense of humor and camaraderie throughout.
• 😀 The overall mission is not just about physical work but about building lasting relationships and engaging in deep spiritual service.

Q & A

What is the main difference between a general mission and a short mission?

A general mission involves covering multiple parishes or even a whole diocese, while a short mission focuses on a single parish at a time. The general mission engages the community in various activities, whereas the short mission is more localized.

How was the Redemptorist mission in Katan organized?

The Redemptorist mission in Katan was organized through an invitation from the bishop to help with the preparation for the diocese's 50th anniversary. It involved multiple meetings with the bishop, clergy, and pastoral directors to discuss the mission's message and methods.

What is the focus of the Redemptorist mission in general?

The focus of the Redemptorist mission is on community engagement, particularly with the people. It involves activities like evangelization, celebrating the Eucharist, visiting homes, and interacting with various sectors of the community, such as men, women, youth, and children.

Why was the encounter between the missionaries and the local people considered the highlight of the mission?

The encounter between the missionaries and the local people was considered the highlight because it allowed for meaningful interactions in faith. The missionaries and the people shared their faith, experiences, and joy, creating a strong sense of community.

How did the missionaries feel after spending time with the local community?

The missionaries were joyful and enriched by their experience. Many shared their positive feelings about the mission, particularly about the strong connection they made with the local people, which left them with lasting memories and a sense of fulfillment.

What was the role of the Redemptorist youth ministry in the mission?

The Redemptorist youth ministry played an active role in the mission, with young people participating alongside lay partners, seminarians, and nuns. Their involvement helped foster a dynamic and enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the mission.

What does the speaker find particularly moving about the mission?

The speaker finds the willingness of volunteers, including young and older Redemptorists, seminarians, and friends, to offer themselves for the mission particularly moving. The sense of generosity and dedication from all involved deeply touched the speaker.

What types of people are invited to join the Redemptorist mission?

Anyone with an interest in serving the community and contributing to the mission is welcome. Participants can join based on their skills, interests, or ministry areas, such as justice and peace, formation, media, and more.

What challenges did the mission team face during their travels?

One of the challenges the mission team faced was traveling by boat to reach remote areas, where the boat had to be fitted with a larger propeller to handle strong currents. The journey was both physically challenging and humorous at times.

How did the local community respond to the mission team?

The local community responded warmly, greeting the missionaries with smiles and enthusiasm. The connection made through these simple, joyful exchanges was a central part of the mission’s success and impact.