Trinity Missions: A Mission For Our Times

Trinity Missions is truly a "mission for our times."

Founded in 1921 as "the Congregation of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity" by Fr. Thomas Augustine Judge, a Vincentian priest, Trinity Missions began its development into what it is today: a mission to preserve the Faith among people who are spiritually neglected and abandoned. It seeks to develop the missionary spirit of the laity. 

The important work of Trinity Missions is based on a unique vision: 

"That every Catholic, whether priest, religious or lay person, embrace the call to apostleship – working together to serve the needs of the poor and marginalized, witness to the Faith in our daily lives, and preserve the Faith among those most in danger of losing their Catholic Faith."

What Fr. Judge began in the 1920s–and what is today the vast and eclectic work of Trinity Missions–remains firmly rooted in this vision. That is what makes it a unique mission for our times.  

Just a quick glance at the Trinity Missions website reveals some of the ways in which the laity can get involved. For instance, Trinity Missions has 37 missions serving the parishes of inner-city neighborhoods and rural areas in seven different countries: the United States, Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico.

The following list contains just a few of the "mission" projects in which Trinity Missions is currently involved: a mobile unit providing medical care for women in some of the poorest areas of Colombia, Honduras, and Haiti; a school called Altagrace which provides children an education in Paredon, Haiti; two missions dedicated to preserving the Catholic faith among Native Americans in Mississippi and Arizona; opportunities for rehabilitation for gang members in Los Angeles; a path out of addiction for men and women in New Jersey who are in recovery; and a way to provide furnishings and medical care to seminarians in formation. 

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The "I Thirst Initiative,"is just one example of the wonderful witness to the work of Trinity Missions. By the end of this year, the "I Thirst" program will have served as many as 1,000 men and women in northern New Jersey who are recovering from opioid addiction. 

This amazing initiative began when it was noticed that the recovery ministry at the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling, New Jersey–which partnered with local rehabilitation centers to provide weekend retreats at a house on the Shrine’s property–had a missing component: quality aftercare for those in recovery. The "I Thirst Initiative" addressed that important element in the recovery process by opening a “Sober Community” house in Paterson, NJ. Those living in the sober community are in need of basic food, clothing, and toiletries. When these basic needs are cared for, they are better able to focus on emotional, mental, and physical healing.

How can the average person help with this important work? The Trinity Missions website explains how: 

"$5 buys coffee and breakfast that warmly welcomes those suffering from addiction. $10 helps keep the lights on and create an encouraging environment for recovery. $25 provides basic necessities for a person in recovery for a week. And $100 provides food and clothing for one month."

This brings to mind the powerful words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 25: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

The opportunity to give is a gift. And what a gift is Trinity Missions to those in need!

Keep their work in your prayers. And if you are able... send an offering their way.