Join the Cardinal Cushing Club!

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.

In 1922, a young Fr. Richard Cushing took on a job that would become a lifelong love: Director of the Propagation of the Faith.  As the Cardinal Archbishop of Boston, Cushing still delighted in gathering people together – even filling the old Boston Garden for World Mission Sunday – to learn more about the missionary work of the Church and how they could help.

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