Menu
Fransalian Mission
Fransalin Mission
Mission: Apostolate of Evangelization and Pastoral ministry
The ministry of renewal of faith is at the core of the MFS’s foundational apostolates. The cry of Fr Mermier’s heart, “I want Missions,” became the first and primary foundational apostolate of the MSFS during the post-French revolutionary period of indifference to and neglect of faith. The preaching of parish missions became the first and primary foundational apostolate of the MSFS. Today, we have several confres engaged in the ministry of preaching.
The Mission of evangelisation and pastoral works are carried out at three levels.
Frontier Missions and Evangelisation
Pastoral Ministry
Renewal of Faith
Fr. Johnson Kallidukil MSFS
General Secretary for Mission
Frontier Missions and Evangelisation
The Fransalians, formally known as the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, play a significant role in primary evangelisation through various means. The order focuses on a spirit of love, humility, and the pastoral care of souls, which are central to their mission.
This implies taking the Good News to those who have never heard about Jesus. We can also call it primary evangelisation. There are millions still in this world who have not known Jesus. The confreres identify the persons, places, and communities and introduce them to Jesus and the Christian faith. Every year, a few thousand adults acknowledge Christ as their saviour and receive the sacrament of baptism through the ministry of our confreres worldwide.
Preaching the Gospel to those who may not identify as Christians can be a sensitive and profound endeavour. This is possible through building genuine relationships based on trust and respect; people are often more receptive to spiritual conversations when they feel valued and understood.
The missionaries share their personal stories of God-experience in Christianity and speak in an understandable and relatable way to the audience. They involve people by Discussing themes that resonate across cultures and religions, such as purpose, hope, and love.
What is crucial is the authenticity of the Missionary, which can invite others to explore faith without feeling judged. Missionaries demonstrate the love and grace of Jesus through their actions. Their lifestyle can speak volumes about the truth of the Gospel.
In primary evangelisation, there is always a space for asking questions and expressing doubts. Demonstrate the love and grace of Jesus through your actions. Your lifestyle can speak volumes about the truth of the Gospel.
Conversion is often a process. One needs to be patient and allow the people to take time to consider the message without pressure.
Missionaries take time to understand the cultural and religious background of the place where they serve. This knowledge can significantly enhance their ability to communicate effectively.
Approaching evangelism with love, respect, and sensitivity can create an atmosphere conducive to meaningful conversations about faith. Remember, the goal is to share the Gospel and foster relationships and mutual understanding.
Primary evangelisation also includes Educational Initiatives, Pastoral Care, Social Services, the Use of Modern Media, Interreligious Dialogue, Youth Animation and Spiritual Formation.
The Fransalians’ approach to primary evangelisation is multifaceted. They combine education, pastoral care, social service, and media engagement to communicate the Gospel effectively. Their commitment to fostering genuine relationships, addressing social issues, and nurturing spiritual growth makes them vital players in evangelisation efforts worldwide. By living out the values of St. Francis de Sales, they continue to inspire individuals and communities on their spiritual journeys.
Pastoral Ministry
Several MSFS priests are engaged in parochial ministry. They cater to the faithful’s needs by administering the sacraments, catechism and faith formation. Priests mostly live in religious communities and work in parishes.
MSFS Priests play a crucial role in parish life, serving as spiritual leaders, mentors, and facilitators of the community. Their presence is vital for the overall health and vitality of the Church, particularly in pastoral ministry, where they address their congregations’ spiritual, emotional, and social needs.
One of the primary responsibilities of priests is to administer the sacraments, which are essential elements of Catholic faith and practice. Through the celebration of the Eucharist, for instance, priests allow the faithful to encounter Christ in a profound and transformative way. The Holy Mass nourishes the spiritual life of parishioners and fosters community, drawing people together in worship and fellowship.
In addition to sacramental duties, priests often serve as spiritual advisors, helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of life through prayer, guidance, and counselling. Their role in pastoral care extends to the sick, the elderly, and those facing crises, ensuring that all community members receive the support they need. By being present during significant moments— such as weddings, funerals, or personal milestones—priests contribute to developing a strong, caring parish culture.
Moreover, priests are instrumental in teaching the faith. Through catechesis, homilies, and various educational programs, they share the teachings of the Church and help parishioners deepen their understanding of Catholic doctrine and moral principles. This educational role is essential for fostering a mature and informed faith community that can engage with the world while remaining rooted in Jesus Christ’s and the Church’s teachings.
Beyond the sanctuary, priests often take on a missionary role within their parishes. They are called to reach out to those who may feel marginalised or disconnected from the Church and to advocate for social justice and charity. By promoting outreach programs and service initiatives, priests help create an inclusive and supportive parish environment, encouraging all individuals to live out their faith actively.
In summary, Catholic priests are integral to the pastoral ministry within parishes. Their multifaceted roles as sacramental ministers, spiritual guides, teachers, and advocates for social justice enrich the Church’s life and nurture the community’s faith. Through their dedication and service, priests help build vibrant parishes that not only share the Good News but also embody Christ’s love and compassion in the world.
Renewal of Faith
The 19th General Chapter 2013 decided to rejuvenate the parish mission preaching ministry. MSFS parish mission preaching draws its inspiration, content, and methodology from the way Fr Mermier conducted parish preaching missions adapted to our times marked by signs of indifference due to the onslaught of secularism, individualism, and relativism of the modern world. Several individual confreres are engaged in retreat preaching and animations of priests, religious, and lay people as part of the apostolate of missions.
Parish mission preaching is a focused, spiritual initiative typically organised within a parish community to renew faith, deepen spiritual understanding, and foster a sense of community among parishioners. A parish mission often involves a series of talks or reflections delivered by a guest preacher or a team of speakers, usually occurring over several days.
Each mission is centred around a specific theme or message that resonates with the community. Common themes include mercy, forgiveness, prayer, discipleship, and social justice. The mission may consist of daily presentations, Eucharistic celebrations, communal prayer, social gatherings, and opportunities for individual reflection or confession. Effective mission preaching encourages active participation from the parish community. This can be done through discussions, Q&A sessions, or small group reflections. The mission often incorporates retreats, meditative practices, and other spiritual exercises aimed at helping parishioners deepen their faith.
After the mission, providing ongoing opportunities for spiritual growth, such as Bible studies, small faith-sharing groups, or service projects to foster community engagement can be beneficial.
Goals of Parish Mission Preaching: include, but not limited to:
Revitalisation of Faith: Encouraging participants to renew their relationship with God and deepen their understanding of the faith.
Community Building: Strengthening bonds among parishioners through shared experiences and communal prayer.
Encouragement of Service: Inspiring attendees to engage in service and outreach within the broader community.
Education: Providing catechetical instruction on specific aspects of the faith, enhancing overall knowledge and understanding.
In summary, parish mission preaching is a powerful tool for renewing and strengthening the spiritual life of a faith community, fostering a sense of belonging, and inspiring individuals to live out their faith more fully.
