Diocese of Metuchen to celebrate World Mission Sunday

The Diocese of Metuchen will observe World Mission Sunday on October 18 with a mile walk, special liturgy and mission lunch. Sponsored by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, a pontifical mission society, World Mission Sunday is a day set aside for Catholics to recommit themselves through prayer and sacrifice to the church’s missionary activities.

“World Mission Sunday does not just occur here in our diocese or only in the United States,” said Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski. “It is really a universal celebration – a worldwide recommitment to the church’s evangelizing mission. Therefore, let us unite with Catholics throughout the world, praying for the church’s missionary work and making personal sacrifices.”

The diocese’s celebration of Mission Sunday will begin at the St. Francis Cathedral CYO, Metuchen at 10:30 a.m. with registration. Led by students carrying a banner and cross, participants will separated into five groups representing the five continents of the world. During their mile walk, the assembly will stop to pray at five stations each representing a continent.

At the cathedral, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski will celebrate noon Mass. Deacon Rodrigue Mortel, M.D. will deliver the homily.

Born in Haiti, Dr. Mortel came to the United States in 1963 to further his studies in obstetrics and gynecology as well as oncology. In 1972, he joined the Penn State University College of Medicine. A decade later he became the first black foreign educated physician to chair one of the 126 United States medical schools departments of obstetrics and gynecology, a position he maintained for nearly 13 years. In 1995 he received the title of Associate Dean and Director of Penn State University Cancer Center.

Now retired, Dr. Mortel is a permanent deacon who leads the Missions Office for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He is the founder of the Mortel Family Charitable Foundation which serves the economically, socially, and intellectually deprived children and adults of Haiti.

Following Mass, the Holy Childhood Association will recognize the students who won this year’s art contest. A mission lunch will then be served.

For more information about Mission Sunday, contact the Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies at (732) 562-1990, ext. 1707 or 1703.