Miles for a Mission Catholic Outreach: Bringing the Gospel to the Margins

Jan 28
2 min read

MEXICO

Father Gronotte and his team walk door to door, praying with the poor bring them spiritual and material nourishment — *Fr. Patrick celebrates Mass on Holy Thursday at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. The humble church is home to people of great faith!*

For the past 14 years, Fr. Patrick Butler, LC., has carried the Word of God across not just highways, but over dirt streets, bumpy backroads, and wherever else was necessary to minister to people in and around Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The city itself is the fastest-growing in the country. As the population increases, more and more people move from elsewhere in Mexico to the outskirts of town, looking for work and opportunity in the city center.

Fr. Patrick is committed to serving everyone in the community, no matter how far away they live. But after more than 202,000 miles, his old pickup truck is no longer well-suited for long drives to remote locations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrPnr5SmeKU

Imagine the stories this pickup truck could tell … — Imagine the stories this pickup truck could tell…

For many people, he is their introduction to the love of Jesus and the truth of the Catholic faith. He recognizes that to serve in the example of Christ, he must meet people wherever they are — both physically and spiritually.

With fast population growth comes the potential to bring the Good News to those who have never heard it and welcome more of our brothers and sisters into the Church. It’s a critically important mission and a grace-filled opportunity, but Fr. Patrick can’t do it all on his own.

PROJECT UPDATES

A New Truck Carrying Christ to the Margins

January 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waEvKIrRxOw

Thanks be to God—and to the generous hearts of CWM donors—our Pick-Up on a Mission project is complete! Fr. Patrick Butler, LC, has received his new truck, and it is already serving as a true vehicle of evangelization.

For years, Fr. Patrick has traveled rough, remote roads to bring the sacraments, preach the Gospel, and accompany families living far from the city center in Playa del Carmen. Now, with this new truck, he can safely reach even more souls who are longing to encounter Christ and His Church.

This gift does far more than replace an old vehicle—it strengthens the Church’s missionary outreach. Because of you, the Word of God will continue to reach the margins; children will receive catechesis, the sick will receive pastoral care, and families will experience the loving presence of Christ through His priest.

Fr. Patrick sends his heartfelt gratitude and prayers for every donor who made this possible. Please enjoy the photos and video he shared—signs of God’s goodness made visible through your generosity.

May the Lord reward you abundantly for helping carry the Gospel to those most in need.