United States Mission ROME: October 26, 2007 Francis Vũ Anh Trần, SCJ Paul A Grizzelle-Reid, SCJ “We the Congregation in Service to the Missions”

US Mission Statement As American SCJs inspired by God’s love revealed in the Heart of Christ, seeking fidelity to his Gospel through the charism of Leo John Dehon, and nourished by the Eucharist, We are called to live together simply, to pray together, and to be, especially among the poor, "prophets of love and servants of reconciliation" offering ourselves with Christ to a world which hungers for justice and peace.

PAST & PRESENT: meet the Mission Secretary Francis Vũ Anh Trần, SCJ Paul A. Grizzelle-Reid, SCJ

US Mission: We the Congregation  The U. S. wants to be part of the We the Congregation. We currently have SCJs in the following countries:  South Africa  The Republic of the Congo  Indonesia  India  Vietnam

US Mission: We the Congregation  Our US Mission has also extended support to:  Finland  Poland  Mozambique  Chile  Indonesia

SCJs In the Mission Land

Current general funding 2007/2008 Approved Budget for the is: $1,141, After the Approval of the Budget we RECEIVE: Request from India Request from Cameroon Vietnam Indonesia Individual SCJs Requested: NGO This causes the US Province to find substantial funding. This brought the Total Grant to over 2 Million Dollars

Current general funding  Hidden Cost  Mailing over 100 boxes of Books and Clothes to India  Medical Expenses for Missionaries  Airlines Tickets – Transportation Cost  Paperwork: Visas, Application Fees.  Personal Expenses  Retreats given to Men in the mission.  For Example: Father Jim Brackin, SCJ – Finland. Father Paul Grizzelle-Reid, SCJ – Finland.  ESL Program  Additional Studies  Recent Request for Books in South Africa

Difficulties & Challenges For US as the US Province  Organize  Budget  January of Each Year.  Approve by The Generalate  Approve by the US Province in the month May.  Funds are given after July 1 st  Plans  Last minute Request for Fund  Cause difficulty for the US Province.

Difficulties & Challenges For US as the US Province  Protocol:  Generalate  Mission Secretary  Mission Procurator & Finance Committee  Provincial & Councils

Responsibilities of the Mission Director  The present job responsibilities of the Mission Director include:  Communicating monthly with all Missionaries  Sending birthday cards & constant letters of appreciation  Warmly welcoming all Missionaries on visits to the US  Providing medical & dental support for Missionaries visiting the USA  Offering Missionaries opportunities for continued studies & training in their areas of expertise  Giving opportunities for retreats & spiritual counseling if needed

Proposed Future Plans Proposed future Mission plans include:  Encouraging and preparing the new generation of SCJ candidates to seriously consider the Missions as an option for service in the church  Anticipating extended funding:  By the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart  Through the continual generosity of donors to the SCJs  This generosity gives a firm financial base to the Preparation of the Mission Program:  SCJ Missionaries can do their work and spread the Gospel  SCJs can participate in more of a global Mission

Proposed Future Plans Proposed future Mission plans include: Visit Missionaries on Site  Support & Encourage Missionaries  Be there for them.  Plans to Visit  South Africa  Vietnam  Philippines  Indonesia  Future: Congo and India  Collaboration

Contact Information The Mission Secretary Rev. Francis Vu Tran, SCJ Provincial Offices P.O. Box 289 Hales Corners, WI – Phone: – Cell Phone All information will be posted on the Congregation Website

THE CONGREGATION SAYS … AMEN