Bishops asked to encourage new missionary spirit

Published: 2005-05-11

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- When the U.S. bishops meet in Chicago this June, they will be asked to adopt a statement encouraging a new missionary spirit among American Catholics. The statement, titled "Teaching the Spirit of Mission 'Ad Gentes': Continuing Pentecost Today," says bringing the Gospel to the world is the church's "permanent mission" and all Catholics are called to "fully participate and cooperate" in it. "Ad gentes" is Latin for "to the nations," a reference to Jesus' Gospel mandate to his followers to "make disciples of all nations." The statement says, "The feast of Pentecost paints a picture of the future church. ... Pentecost was the very first Mission Sunday." It says, "We encourage all Catholics to focus particular attention on their brothers and sisters of other nations who do not know Christ and his church."

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