The Families in Mission are families coming from the Neocatechumenal Way that offer themselves voluntarily and freely, leaving their homes, work and friends to go in mission in the World according to the needs of the Neocatechumenal Way, wherever they are requested by the bishops of the Catholic Church, where evangelization, implantation of the church (implantatio ecclesiae) and/or the foundation of the Neocatechumenal Way is necessary.
The families give their readiness to go to any part of the world, freely, confiding in Divine Providence, and receiving their destination in purpose-held meetings, called (convivences of the families), by the Responsible Team of the Neocatechumenal Way (currently made up of Kiko Arguello, Carmen Hernandez and Father Mario Pezzi, a priest). Their sending usually takes place in the presence of the local Bishop in an official ceremony.
The families in Mission remain united with the original parish and Neocatechumenal Community, towards which they periodically return. Moreover, they are free to interrupt or terminate their missionary experienceat any moment.
The latest sending of two hundred families in mission happened on the 12th of January 2006, after an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.
There are currently around 500 families in mission around the world, in all six continents.
Famous quotes containing the words families and/or mission:
“We are born into them, marry into them, even create them among the people we love. They come large and extended...or small and nuclear. But whatever their size or wherever they live, strong families give us the nurturance and strength we need in order to survive.”
—Andrea Davis (20th century)
“I am succeeding quite well in my work and the future looks well. What special mission is God preparing me for? Cutting off all earthly ties and isolating me as it were.”
—Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards (1842–1911)