I. The Transformation and Renewal of Spirituality at Mission Honduras
“The universal call to holiness is closely linked to the universal call to mission. Every member of the faithful is called to holiness and to mission. The Church’s missionary spirituality is a journey towards holiness. The renewed impulse to the mission “ad gentes” demands holy missionaries. What is needed is the encouragement of a new “ardor for holiness” among missionaries and throughout the Christian community, especially among those who work closely with missionaries.” (Redemptoris Missio, 90)

Over the past several years, Mission Honduras has undergone an exciting period of renewal. We are slowly discovering the original charism upon which the Mission was founded more than 30 years ago – mainly, the education (spiritual, academic, and vocational) of our children and of the volunteers. Our Holy Father John Paul II notes in his encyclical Redemptoris Missio that the universal call to holiness is one of the most important goals of all missionary activity. Mission Honduras affirms the need for the continual conversion and spiritual growth of all our children as well as all the volunteers who serve the children. This need is met through evangelization, personal contact and experiences with the people of Honduras, and education. It is because of our faith and our vocation to live the Gospel that we are called to serve at the Mission.

II. Mission Spirituality: What the Church Teaches
Pope John Paul the Great taught us through the encyclical Redemptoris Missio of four dimensions, or closely-linked components, of the Church’s missionary activity: pneumatological, Christological, ecclesiological, and pastoral.

Pneumatological (Fidelity to the Holy Spirit): “This spirituality is expressed first of all by a life of complete docility to the Spirit. It commits us to be molded from within by the Spirit, so that we may become ever more like Christ. This docility then commits us to receive the gifts of fortitude and discernment, which are essential elements of missionary spirituality” (Redemptoris Missio, 87).

Christological: “An essential characteristic of missionary spirituality is intimate communion with Christ. We cannot understand or carry out the mission unless we refer it to Christ as the one who was sent to evangelize” (Redemptoris Missio, 88).

Ecclesiological: “Those who have the missionary spirit feel Christ’s burning love for souls, and love the Church as Christ did. The missionary is the universal brother, bearing in himself the Church’s spirit, her openness to and interest in all peoples and individuals, especially the least and poorest of his brethren” (Redemptoris Missio, 89).

Pastoral: “Missionary spirituality is also marked by apostolic charity, the charity of Christ who came ‘to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad’ (John 11:52), of the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep, who searches them out and offers his life for them. In order to proclaim to all his brothers and sisters that they are loved by God and are capable of loving, he must show love toward all, giving his life for his neighbor” (Redemptoris Missio, 89).

III. Preparing for the Journey: Reflections on Mission Spirituality
Community (Conversation with God, Volume 3, pp. 373-378)
Reflection: The beauty of community life is the strength that comes from diversity. We come from different backgrounds and have different abilities. We are unified by our faith, but within this unity each person has something to offer that the rest of the community needs. Sometimes it may be hard to understand and love the differences in our brothers and sisters. We try to remember that God created each person uniquely, and that He created them exactly the way He wanted. Living in community can be a wonderful opportunity to grow in love and understanding as we learn to appreciate our diversity.

Questions: What is something about yourself that you think is unique? How do you think it might benefit the community?

Humility (John 13: 1-20)
Reflection: Jesus’ example of washing the disciples’ feet is one of the greatest examples of humility. God, in his perfect goodness and perfect power, God whose very nature is love, served man, who is imperfect. Man, who in his weakness sins against this same God. This is such a beautiful model for us in mission life. Living in community, it can be so easy to see and dwell on the imperfections of others. This passage reminds us that the strong must serve the weak and the master must become like the slave. Filled with God’s love, we are called to serve each of our brothers and sisters in a spirit of humility.

Questions: What are some ways in our daily lives in the US in which we can emulate Jesus’ washing of the feet? Thinking ahead to Honduras, what are some opportunities for serving in humility that we may have?

Service (Matthew 25: 31-46)
Reflection: In this passage, Jesus calls us to an awareness of his presence in every human being. We are called to love and, through that love, to serve every human being. When we do this, we are loving and serving Jesus Christ, as truly as if he were standing in front of us in his own physical form. An awareness of Christ’s presence in our brothers and sisters can inspire us to love and serve more fully during our time of mission. It also gives greater meaning to the mundane, seemingly unimportant tasks that may occupy our days. A smile when we’re feeling angry, a small favor, a moment of prayer for someone else’s needs are all little ways in which we can serve Jesus.

Questions: Reflect on people that are difficult for you, and how you might love them more fully in light of this passage. What are some other specific ways in which you can implement the message of this passage in your daily life?

Conversion (Matthew 5: 1-12)
Reflection: The call to conversion is universal and eternal. Conversion is not a once in a lifetime decision, but a lifelong process of purifying our hearts and conforming our lives to the will of God. While visiting Mission Honduras, we can use the time away from business, family, and North American society to grow closer to God. Our time in Honduras is a time of spiritual retreat. In moments of silence, we can hear God’s voice. In the struggles of daily life, we can grow in faith and love. The beatitudes are a beautiful model for us; a goal to work towards in our daily journey of conversion.

Questions: What does the word conversion mean to you? Have you experienced big moments of conversion in your life? How about, smaller, more gradual ones? What are some qualities described in the Beatitudes which you may be called to emulate?

Simplicity (Matthew 10:5-15)
Reflection: In the same manner as the disciples were commissioned in this passage by Jesus to go out into the world, so have we been sent forth to share our faith in Jesus. When we go, we are instructed to take nothing with us, but to go forth in faith, trusting both for our material and spiritual needs. Jesus wants us to rely on him to take care of our basic needs. He doesn’t say how or when. There is also a larger message here, that the material is never as important as the spiritual, and that we can live with fewer things, and less material security than we are accustomed. Stepping on a plane to Honduras, we take the same step of faith in not knowing what lies ahead and trusting that Jesus will provide. We are also provided with an opportunity to live with much less of everything material, and with less comfort and security. With fewer things, there is more room for Jesus in our lives.

Questions: Imagine that you are setting forth on a journey with nothing but the clothes on your back, to a place where Jesus has sent you. How do you think you would feel? Think about simplicity of life. What are things you can live without? What are some things that may distract you from you spiritual life?

Practical Suggestions:
- Always conduct group meetings in a spirit of prayer. Open and close each gathering with a prayer.
- Choose a theme for each gathering. Depending on the time frame, do one reflection each month for several months, or do one reflection each week for several weeks. Introduce the theme and read a corresponding scriptural passage. Allow some time for silent reflection. Encourage the members of the group to share their reflections and thoughts, using the provided discussion questions to guide the sharing time. At the end of the discussion, challenge each member of the group to “live out” the theme. At the next gathering, share how you’ve each embodied or lived the theme since the last meeting.

IV. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours: A Catechesis
The Liturgy of the Hours is an integral component of every volunteer’s life at the Mission. Praying Morning and Evening Prayer each day as a community provides a backbone and foundation to the work we do. They provide us with moments of reflection, of communicating and listening to God through the rich language of the Psalms and Scriptural Readings. Like the Eucharistic Liturgy, the Liturgy of the Hours has a set format and a set cycle of psalms and readings. As we pray the same psalms and prayers as Catholics worldwide, we visibly connect and unite ourselves with the universal Church, the Body of Christ. The Hours are rightly called the “prayer of the Church.”

Practical Suggestions:
- Pray Morning or Evening Prayer alone or with your group.
- Attend a celebration of Morning or Evening Prayer at your parish or find a parish that offers it.
- Read the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours and other Vatican II documents concerning the Liturgy of the Hours.

V. The Balance Between Personal Reflection and Communal Prayer
One of the beautiful things about a visit to Mission Honduras is the opportunity for spiritual retreat. Jesus was constantly taking time to go away and pray alone. Life at the Mission is hectic and, with the established schedule of community prayer, it can be difficult to find time for personal prayer. However, this time alone can be a time to process, a time to quiet your soul, and a time to hear God speaking to you.

Practical Suggestions:
- Build into your group’s daily schedule a time for personal prayer. Half an hour is a common length, but you can vary the time according to your group.
- This is your time with God, you can do whatever you want – pray the Rosary, read the Bible, journal, or just spend quiet time in God’s presence.

VI. Liturgical/Prayer Schedule
Liturgy of the Hours
- Morning Prayer: Monday-Friday, 6:45 AM
- Evening Prayer: Monday-Friday, 5:30 PM
- Angelus Monday-Saturday 12:00 PM
Mass
- Wednesday, 6:45AM
- Saturday, 5:30PM, Flores
- Sunday, 10:00AM, Guadalupe
Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion (while Father Emil is fundraising in the USA)
- Sunday, 10:00AM, Guadalupe
Rosary
- Saturday, 5:00 PM
Eucharistic Adoration
- Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

VII. Praying in Spanish
El Señal de la Cruz (The Sign of the Cross): En el nobre de Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Amén.

El Credo (The Apostles Creed): Creo en Dios, Padre todopoderoso, Creador del cielo y de la tierra: y en Jesucristo, su único Hijo nuestro Señor, que fue concebido por obra y gracia del Espíritu Santo, nació de Santa Maria Virgen; padeció bajo el poder de Poncio Pilato, fue crucificado, muerto y sepultado; descendió a los infiernos; al tercer día resucitó de entre los muertos; subió a los cielos y está sentado a la diestra de Dios Padre Todopoderoso; desde allí ha de venir a juzgar a los vivos y a los muertos. Creo en el Espíritu Santo, la Santa Iglesia Católica, la Comunión de los Santos, el perdón de los pecados, la resurrección de la carne y la vida perdurable. Amén.

El Padre Nuestro (The Our Father): Padre Nuestro, que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu nombre; venga a nosotros tu reino. Hágase tu voluntad en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día; perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden; no nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal.

El Ave Maria (The Hail Mary): Dios te salve María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor es contigo, bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres, y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre Jesús. Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros pecadores, ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amén.

La Gloria (Glory Be): Gloria al Padre, al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo. Como era en el principio, ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.

Oración de San Francisco (Prayer of Saint Francis):

Señor, hazme un instrumento de tu paz.
Donde hay odio, que siembre yo amor;
donde haya injuria, perdón;
donde haya duda, fe;
donde haya desesperación, esperanza;
donde haya tinieblas, luz;
y donde haya tristeza, alegría.
Oh Divino Maestro, concédeme que yo busque
no tanto ser consolado sino consolar,
no tanto ser comprendido, sino comprender,
no tanto ser amado, sino amar;
pues es dando que recibimos,
es perdonando que somos perdonados,
y es muriendo que nacemos a la vida eterna.

Practical Suggestions:
- Pray the Rosary in Spanish alone or with your group.
- Try to memorize the basic prayers in Spanish: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
- Learn the basic Mass parts, especially the responses of the congregation.
- Attend a Spanish Mass.

VIII. Parish Involvement and a Suggested Commissioning Ceremony
Parishes are often great sources for raising funds for the mission, especially when a team from that parish is going to serve at Mission Honduras. Those who stay behind can participate in the team's missionary experience through their financial contributions. A great way to start a mission trip is with a Commissioning Ceremony at the last Mass volunteers attend before going to Mission Honduras.

IX. Further Reading
- Redemptoris Missio (On the Permanent Validity of the Church’s Missionary Mandate). Pope John Paul II, 1990.
- Ad Gentes Divinitus (Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity). Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, 1965.
- The Wounded Healer. Henri J. M. Nouwen.
- Reaching Out. Henri J. M. Nouwen.