The story of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith began in France in the early 19th century. Pauline Marie Jaricot, inspired by letters about the missions from her brother, started gathering together small groups — mostly workers in her family’s silk factory. She asked each member of the group to offer daily prayer and a weekly sacrifice for the Church’s worldwide missionary work. Pauline insisted that her efforts be directed to all the Church’s missions, that it be universal.
The very first collection of the Propagation of the Faith in 1822 supported the vast diocese of Louisiana, which then extended from the Florida Keys to Canada, as well as the missions of Kentucky and China. Here in Boston and across the United States, the Propagation of the Faith helped to build our churches, schools and Catholic health care system until we were able to stand on our own financially. The United States declared its mission independence in 1908. Boston, however, began sending support back to the Propagation of the Faith ten years earlier and opened our own office in 1898.

Because of this, we named our Monthly Donor Club the Cardinal
Cushing Club. Our most regular benefactors are its members. As such, they receive a mission calendar
every year with pictures and stories that highlight where and how their prayers
and sacrifices are being put to use in the missions. Built into this calendar is a small pouch
that contains postage paid envelopes enabling club members to be regular
supporters – giving missionaries the vital aid needed to bring the Gospel of
Jesus Christ to those most in need.
Another benefit of membership in the Cardinal Cushing Club is
invitations to events such as World Mission Sunday Mass with Cardinal Sean and
to smaller gatherings such as our upcoming Spring Membership Day on June 12 at
the Pastoral Center. Following a 10AM
Mass celebrated by Archdiocesan Director Rev. Rodney Copp, JCL, and light
refreshments and fellowship, members will be treated to a screening of a movie
about the life of one-time national Propagation National Director Archbishop
Fulton J. Sheen entitled “Servant of All”.
To join the Cardinal Cushing Club and join our gathering, click here and make your first membership donation today – it will
serve as your RSVP for our June 12 event. See you there!
-Maureen Crowley Heil
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