“Cooperation between the churches, in an authentic reciprocity that prepares them both to give and to receive, is a source of enrichment for all of them and touches the various spheres of ecclesial life.”

“I exhort all the churches, and the bishops, priests, religious and members of the laity, to be open to the Church’s universality, and to avoid every form of provincialism or exclusiveness, or feelings of self-sufficiency. “

-JPII MISSION OF THE REDEEMER

A parish may be involved with IMF on any of the following three levels:

1. Entry Level: In an entry level partnership, the IMF staff coordinates with the parish to give a retreat on love, forgiveness, and service based on St. John Paul II’s Mission of the Redeemer. This retreat facilitates a space to encounter Christ’s love and healing. It is also a catalyst for the parish to recruit mission volunteers and step into co-sponsorship or full partnership.
2. Co-Sponsorhip: In a co-sponsorship, two parishes come together for the full pre mission, on mission, and post mission phases of a parish2parish relationship, but they share the responsibilities and cost of working together with IMF. See Our Process for more details.
3. Full Partnership: In a full partnership, the IMF staff works together with a parish for the full pre mission, on mission and post mission phases of a parish2parish relationship. See Our Process for more details.

The vision of the International Missionary Foundation is to address spiritual and physical poverty by fostering Parish2Parish relationships that are based on mutual love, respect and benefits in response to the Second Vatican Council and encouraged by the Magisterium.

IMF has developed a unique Parish2Parish mission program, connecting Catholic parishes in the U.S. with parishes in developing nations in an effort to foster a relationship that is based on mutual benefits. Instead of a simple one-time appeal to a parish for financial support, we actively encourage parishes to sponsor one specific human development project for a time span of one to three years. During this time frame, U.S. parishioners commit to supporting and providing hope through their prayers, financial support and participation on a mission trip to that community itself.

 How does it work? 

A human development project begins with an application from the community, parish, or diocese in a developing nation which describes the need involved. IMF then evaluates each project and approves or declines the application based on the compatibility with the vision of IMF. Prior to an application being approved, IMF may also make recommendations to help the applicants design a well-organized project that will maximize the benefit received.

The second step is to present a portfolio of available projects to interested U.S. Catholic parishes and to assist them in choosing a viable match. When a project is decided upon, IMF assigns a Mission Director to work with the parish (or parishes) to assess whether they have the ability to provide the necessary resources for the completion of the project. Your Mission Director will be your guide for the duration of the project, helping to ensure the project is successfully done and answering any ongoing questions or concerns you may have. To join IMF in this timely mission of helping our suffering brothers and sisters in developing nations, simply register your interest in becoming a Parish2Parish partner with us today. We’ll reach out to you within 5-7 business days to confirm your receipt, answer any immediate questions you may have and schedule our first meeting.