At our recent Mission Mass in Northampton, we gathered with friends and supporters from the diocese to celebrate our shared mission and discuss hopes and concerns for the Church’s future.

Fr Daniel and Fr Anthony with the Red Box
Fr Daniel and Fr Anthony with the Red Box

On Saturday 29 June we joined supporters and volunteers from several parishes in Northampton diocese for Mass at St Aidan’s Church in Kingsthorpe. Our new Diocesan Director, Fr Daniel Rooke (pictured), concelebrated with Fr Anthony Chantry.

Who’s worried?

In his homily, Fr Anthony addressed worries about the Church’s future, the state of the world, and the next generation. He referenced the centurion in the Gospel who asked Jesus to cure his servant, highlighting the man’s unwavering faith:

‘The centurion didn’t offer him any money. He just trusted him. He said “I know you will respond. Because you can. You can touch my life in a unique way.”’

It’s God’s mission – and it’s our choice

Fr Anthony continued:

‘So, my dear friends, this gives us enormous hope.  We don’t have to worry about the future of the Church. Because it’s not our Church. It’s God’s Church. We don’t have to worry about the future of our mission, because it’s not our mission. It’s God’s mission.’

But, he explained, while these things belong to God, we still have a choice in how we participate. Fr Anthony highlighted the many ways supporters and volunteers answer the call to mission, sharing the love of Christ with everyone, and especially to those in greatest need. This can be achieved through the Red Box, and the partnership between Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries.

Fr Anthony explained:

‘Everyone is Baptised for mission… It means telling people about what’s happening around the world in the Church, because it’s not all gloomy. And the Church is rapidly expanding in different parts of the world. And what I mean by that is doing wonderful work in countries that are in a desperate situation: healing, bringing people together, reconciling; all those things.’

What Mission means to you

Wonderful food and food for thought – chatting after Mass

After Mass, over refreshments kindly provided by the parish coordinator and parishioners of St Aidan’s, we got the chance to catch up with some of our wonderful supporters who shared their thoughts on the day’s theme.

Alec, a Local Secretary from St Gregory’s Church, reflected on mission and faith:

‘We’re doing God’s work, but he’s still given us the choice. I think that’s the better way of getting others to do something – you have to leave them the choice. That’s what Jesus did – and he had his problems with his twelve apostles; I’d say at times he was in danger of tearing his hair out! But we mustn’t lose faith. It’s God’s work, and therefore we have nothing to worry about. We mustn’t lose faith.’

Sharing faith and hope

Li and Emma (front) at the end of Mass

Li and her daughter Emma also shared their reactions. Li said,

‘I have been dispirited about the way the world is changing. And it’s lovely that mission still goes on and still tries to deliver Christ’s message, even though it’s hard.’

Emma added,

‘I find it inspirational that out there, there are people strong in faith who are dedicated, who are helped by people like the Mill Hill Missionaries.’

She also shared her long-standing support for the Red Box, which began when she was just three years old!

We were delighted to meet young supporters Talia (18) and Theodore (10), representing the next generation of mission in our Church. They shared their thoughts on the Mass and the global Church’s mission.

Meanwhile, Fr Daniel embraced his new role as Diocesan Director, expressing enthusiasm for working alongside Missio volunteers and supporters to raise awareness of mission in Northampton.

Thank you!

Thank you so much to everyone who made this such an inspiring and faith-filled occasion, and especially to our volunteers and the lovely community of St Aidan’s for all their organising and the wonderful refreshments! God bless you all.

Get involved – what you can do to join our mission!

  • Join us for a Mission Mass near you! Find all our Mission Masses and events throughout the summer and beyond here>>
  • Pray with us: one way we can help our global family is through our prayers. Our weekly Mission Rosary helps us to focus on each continent in turn as we pray for our sisters and brothers around the world. Follow the Weekly Mission Rosary tag to access them.
  • Support the Red Box! Any gift you can give will reach missionaries and communities who need our help as soon as possible.