The MSC Message: Winter 2018

Welcome to the Winter edition of the MSC Message!

• Read all about MSC Missions at the World Meeting of Families 2018.

• Catch up with the latest news from the mission fields, with updates from our ongoing projects in South Africa and the Philippines.

• Find out about this year’s Jubilee celebrations in the Irish Province.

• Read a special winter message from Fr Michael O’Connell MSC, Director of the MSC Missions Office.

• Walk the Camino de Santiago with Fr Alan Neville MSC and the MSC Vocations Team.

Reads the MSC Message Winter 2018

New beginnings at St Francis Xavier, Tsakane

A project that began two years ago is now nearing its final stages of completion at the church of St Francis Xavier in Tsakane, South Africa. Parish priest Fr Martin Morrissey MSC is leading the project, which sees a new church put in place for the growing congregation.

A township located just outside Johannesburg, the name “Tsakane” actually translates as “happiness” or “joy”. As is the case in many parts of South Africa, however, Tsakane struggles with significant social and economic issues, and our MSCs are on hand to provide practical aid and spiritual guidance to the local communities.

The congregation of St Francis Xavier are delighted with the development of the new church, having previously gathered to pray in a school classroom. Getting the site was a huge achievement, with the titles handed over just over a year ago, and new church is growing, step by step. An altar and sanctuary area have been set up, and the windows have been put in, while a new ceiling still has to be put in place.

Fr Martin and the community are working hard to bring their plans to fruition, although the budget is tight. Fr Martin was able to source benches from another church around 80km away, acquiring 28 church benches for 50,000 South African Rand (approximately €3,500). The same benches would have cost 300,000 Rand, or around €18,500, if they had to be bought new.

The community of St Francis Xavier now numbers over 100 people, and is growing steadily. In October, parishioners enjoyed a day of great celebration when a total of 27 adults celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.

On a recent visit to Tsakane, Irish Provincial Superior Fr Carl Tranter MSC visited with Fr Martin, and was welcomed with open arms by the parishioners of St Francis Xavier. Fr Martin and the community extended their sincere thanks to all of our mission friends in the Irish Province for their ongoing support, and we send our very best wishes to them as they approach the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the church of St Francis Xavier!

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MSC MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Greetings from Tsakane, South Africa!

We were delighted to receive these wonderful pictures from Fr Alan Neville MSC, taken on his recent trip to the parish of St Paul the Apostle in Tsakane, Gauteng. Fr Alan paid a visit to Fr Martin Morrissey MSC, parish priest, and joined the lively and enthusiastic community of St Paul’s parish for Mass during his stay.

Tsakane is a township located outside Johannesburg, and, as is the case in many parts of South Africa, much of the population faces significant social and economic struggles. The community of St Paul’s parish, however, is a vibrant one, who find great joy and unity in their faith despite the daily challenges they face.

“Everyone is welcome at St Paul’s,” reads the church information. “Come just as you are – we’d love to get to know you better.” This warm, inclusive nature was demonstrated clearly as parishioners welcomed Fr Alan with open arms!

We’re sending our very best to the community of St Paul’s, and we wish Fr Martin continued success in his ministry there.

 

The MSC Message: Summer 2018

The summer edition of the MSC Message has arrived!

• Catch up with the latest news from the mission fields, with updates from our ongoing projects in South Africa and South Sudan.

• Discover more about new mission projects in Mozambique and Cameroon.

• Read a special tribute to the late Fr Mark McDonald MSC, former Superior General of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

• Read a summer message from Fr Michael O’Connell MSC, Director of the MSC Missions Office.

• Get up to date with the latest news from Fr Alan Neville MSC and the MSC Vocations Team.

Read the MSC Message Summer 2018