World Mission Sunday

World Mission Sunday October 22, 2023

On World Mission Sunday, every Catholic parish is called to celebrate the Gospel challenge to be in solidarity with all the world’s peoples, especially those most in need of the Good news.  The day is set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church's missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice. It is especially a day to take time to reflect upon our own baptismal call to mission.

About World Mission Sunday

In 1926, Pope Pius XI established an annual collection for the missionary work of the Church called "World Mission Sunday." World Mission Sunday, organized by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, is vital to the growth of the Church and to the spread of the Gospel in predominately impoverished and remote areas overseas.

As described by Pope John Paul II, World Mission Sunday is "an important day in the life of the Church because it teaches how to give: as an offering made to God, in the Eucharistic celebration and for all the missions of the world" (Redemptoris Missio 81).

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is entrusted with the promotion of World Mission Sunday, collection of the proceeds, and distribution of the proceeds. As a representative of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Arlington Mission Office sends the proceeds to the National Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. Offerings from Catholics in the United States, on World Mission Sunday and throughout the year, are combined with offerings to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith from around the world.

Mission dioceses – about 1,111 at this time – receive yearly assistance from the funds collected. These mission dioceses submit requests to the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and Pontifical Mission Societies for assistance. The requests include funds for catechetical programs, seminaries, the work of religious communities, communication and transportation needs. Many of the requests are for the building of chapels, churches, orphanages, and schools. These needs are matched with the funds gathered in each year. The world's national directors of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith vote on these requests, matching the funds available with the greatest needs. These funds are then distributed equitably and justly to the mission dioceses.

Every year, the needs of the Catholic Church in the missions grow. Every year new dioceses are forming as more people hear the Gospel message, new seminaries are opening because of the growing number of young men hearing Christ's call to follow Him as priests, areas devastated by war or natural disaster are being rebuilt, and other long-suppressed areas are opening up to hear the message of Christ and His Church. This is why the involvement and commitment of Catholics from around the world is so urgently needed.

Materials for World Mission Sunday 2023

How Does Your World Mission Sunday Gift Help?

  • $20 assists with renovation of a chapel in the Fiji Islands
  • $40 provides support for a catechist in Peru
  • $100 supports a sister in Kenya serving among homeless children
  • $1,000 can provide a home, food, medical help and education for orphans in Thailand
  • $3,500 helps support two girls' homes in Sri Lanka

Where Does your World Mission Sunday Gift Help?

  • 1,200 schools, educating children in some of the poorest parts of the world
  • 9,000 clinics caring for the sick and dying
  • 9,000 religious sisters and brothers in formation programs
  • 10,000 orphanages, providing a place of safety and shelter
  • 30,000 seminarians preparing for the priesthood

How to Give

Donate on the link below
Donate in your parish collection
Donate through your parish online giving

 

 

Donate Here