One of the diocesan efforts to promote mission awareness and spiritual union with mission efforts is the diocesan Missionary Cooperative Plan. (MCP) Because of the many needs of new churches in underdeveloped countries, needs that are as urgent today as in any other period in history, each diocese in the United States invites representatives of missionary dioceses, religious congregations, and lay missionary organizations to visit parishes, usually during the summer months.

        The assignment of missionaries to the individual parishes is coordinated by the Mission Office. The representatives speak at Sunday Mass in order to animate the Church in our missionary task by sharing their work and faith experiences. Mutual support through understanding and prayer is the basis for financial collaboration. The hospitality provided by pastors, parish staff, and all the parishioners build up the Church as the living Body of Christ present in the entire world.

        Through the generous self-giving of many faithful throughout our Diocese these missionary dioceses and other evangelizing groups received help to support their ongoing work in sharing the Gospel.