"The Pontifical Mission Societies are effectively the “primary means” of awakening missionary responsibility among all the baptized and supporting ecclesial communities in areas where the Church is young (cf. Decree Ad Gentes, 38). We see this in the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, which provides aid for pastoral and catechetical programmes, the building of new churches, healthcare, and educational needs in mission territories... Dear friends, our celebration of this Holy Year challenges all of us to be “pilgrims of hope.” Taking up the words that Pope Francis chose as the theme for this year’s World Mission Day, I would conclude by encouraging you to continue to be “missionaries of hope among all peoples.”
World Mission Sunday, organized by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, is a special day for Catholics worldwide to renew their commitment to the Church’s missionary efforts through prayer and sacrifice.
Each year, the needs of the Catholic Church in the Missions grow. New dioceses are formed, new seminaries open due to the increasing number of young men called to the priesthood, areas affected by war or natural disasters are rebuilt, and regions previously suppressed begin to open up to the teachings of Christ and His Church. This growth underscores the urgent need for the involvement and commitment of Catholics globally. Contributions from Catholics in the United States, whether on World Mission Sunday or throughout the year, are combined with worldwide offerings to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
Currently, about 1,150 mission dioceses receive regular annual assistance from these collected funds. Additionally, mission dioceses submit requests to the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples for support with catechetical programs, seminaries, Religious Communities’ work, communication and transportation needs, and the construction of chapels, churches, orphanages, and schools. These requests are matched with the funds gathered each year. The world’s national directors of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith vote on these requests to allocate the available funds to meet the greatest needs. These funds are then fully distributed to mission dioceses worldwide.
Ready to join World Mission Month?
Imagine a world where billions of people have never heard the name of Jesus. Imagine villages where people walk miles to attend Mass because there’s no church nearby. Imagine communities where faith is alive but fragile, challenged by poverty or isolation. Imagine churches packed every Sunday, even when those taking part know they are targets of terrorists because of their faith.
World Mission Sunday is always celebrated on the second to last Sunday of October — it’s October 19 this year. This day of solidarity and support for the Church’s missionary efforts, however, is just a day within an entire month of prayer and recollection for those answering Jesus’ command to “go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Lk 24:47).
This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Francis, is inspired by the Jubilee of Hope: “Missionaries of Hope Among the Peoples.” It is an invitation to bring Christ’s light and hope to the world, especially to communities where the Church is young, growing, and often struggling. Join us in this universal mission to spread the Gospel and share the love of Christ!
Let's work together to ensure every Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles supports the Pope's missions this October 19!
Contact & Support:
If you have any questions regarding World Mission Sunday in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, please call us at (213) 637-7223 or email us at [email protected].
