We are called to Relationship! The St. Cloud Mission Office actively promotes partnerships and sister relationships in order to establish direct connections with others within our universal Church. Some of these relationships began as long ago as 1965. Where does the St. Cloud Diocese have relationships? The Diocese has two Global Solidarity Partnerships - one with the Diocese of Maracay in Venezuela, the other with the Diocese of Homa Bay in Kenya. Read more about these special partnerships:
St. Cloud also has many more mission connections and special relationships. Many of these relationships focus on missioners from our diocese who have answered the call to serve in mission around our globe, and now are serving as bridges between their home diocese of St. Cloud and their current area of ministry. Other connections began when missioners from elsewhere journeyed to our diocese to study, minister or just visit. Regardless of how these relationships began, all are important as we strive to learn more about GOD through learning more about one another in our global family! Select one of our other global relationships to learn more:
What is mission and global solidarity all about? Numerous documents have been written by our Popes and Bishops calling us to participate in the missionary nature of our church, and inviting us to answer the call to global solidarity. In addition, we at the St. Cloud Mission Office have expressed our own philosophy of mission and invitation to enter into the life of the Trinity through relationships with one another in documents, reflections and guides. We invite you to take a look at any or all of these great documents. View wonderful Church documents, reflection resources and other background information on Global Solidarity and Partnerships:
What are Sister Parishes? A number of the parishes within our St. Cloud Diocese have established sister relationships with parishes or communities overseas, and others are exploring such partnerships. The first step in this process is to build relationships and greater understanding of one another. Thereafter from this base of mutual appreciation the exchange of both spiritual and material resources can take place, as well as the promotion of just international policies. Read our Sister Parish Statement for the philosophy and guidelines for Sister Relationships
What do we do if we're considering starting a Sister Parish? Contact us for more information and guidance for developing a relationship of mutality between your parish or school and a partner from elsewhere in our global Church. Be sure you've viewed our Sister Parish Statement, a document developed to provide the philosophy and guidelines for sister parish relationships within the Diocese of St. Cloud, or see a list of sister parishes who have already entered into such partnerships. Read reflections and background information from other parishes in our diocese who are involved in sister parish relationships, including:
What if we're interested in traveling to one of our mission connections? In addition to the regular (every third year) travel to our two Diocesan Global Solidarity Partnerships, there are also often other mission trip and delegation oportunities to various places. These can be short-term (a few weeks) to long-term (a few years). For more information on long-term mission committments, please contact us at the Mission Office. You may also view some of the many areas and ways you can serve by visiting the Catholic Network of Volunteer Services website for a thorough directory. For more information on short-term experiences, view our trips and delegations page to learn how you might walk in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world.
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