CAM 5

From September 5 to 7, 2017, The Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States convened its inaugural missionary congress in Orlando, Florida, in preparation for the next CAM (Congreso Americano Misionero) to take place July 10 to 14, 2018 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.  This marked the first time for the missionary congress, which is outlined in the official documents as a key phase in preparing the delegation which will represent the United States.  It was blessed with a diversity of participants from across the entire country, which included laity, ordained, and religious, as well as a good representation of young adults. Joining national office and some diocesan mission office representatives were other national organizations, diocesan offices, religious orders and parishes.  We were also pleased to welcome participants from the Antilles!

MISSIO Congress was truly an experience of encounter, solidarity, formation and celebration as missionary disciples, compañeros en fe. This Congress was an opportunity to forge ever new bonds of solidarity on behalf of the Gospel.  Using the Pastoral Circle methodology, we thoughtfully and prayerfully explored as our forum topics:

1.    Discovering and Teaching the Mission Identity of Our Schools
2.    Mission with and for the Poor
3.    A New Dialogue: Missionary Visions in Contemporary Culture
4.    The Laborers and the Harvest Section I: Ordained Leadership in a Missionary Church
5.    The Laborers and the Harvest Section II: Laity in a Missionary Church
6.    Family on Mission Domestically and Abroad
7.    The Mission of Receiving: Immigration and Migration

General session speakers included Dr. Hoffman Ospino, Boston College, and Mr. Jeff Runyan, FOCUS.  Mr. Paul Jarzembowski, USCCB, led a general session which featured three young adults.  Each shared their personal missionary testimony and then engaged in a facilitated dialogue.  It was an honor to hear and be both inspired and challenged by them.  

In the upcoming weeks, we will be sharing the summaries, reports and final video which will serve as the official contribution to CAM V, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, July 10 to 14, 2018.  

Recap provided by the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States