The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on almost every aspect of our lives – not least the way we worship together and pray as a Catholic community.

Ordinarily we would have celebrated Home Mission Sunday in September but, in 2020, we celebrate the day set aside to promote evangelisation on Gaudete Sunday – 13 December – the Third Sunday of Advent.

There may not be an abundance of joy in our hearts at this time, but Bishop Mark O’Toole tells us that we can still hold on to this fruit of the Holy Spirit through our struggles.

Bishop O’Toole is the Bishop for Mission at the Bishops’ Conference. This is his message for Home Mission Sunday.