World Mission Sunday

"Hearts on fire, feet on the move" (Lk 24:13-35)

World Mission Sunday will be celebrated on October 22, 2023. Instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926, it is a day for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church's missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice. It offers each of us an opportunity to support the life-giving presence of the Church among the poor and marginalized in more than 1,100 mission dioceses. Every year, the needs of the Catholic Church in the missions grow, as new dioceses are formed, new seminaries are opened, and as war, natural disasters, or illnesses ravage communities.

"I desire to express my closeness in Christ to all the men and women missionaries in the world, especially to those enduring any kind of hardship," Pope Francis said in his message for World Mission Sunday. "Dear friends, the Risen Lord is always with you. He sees your generosity and the sacrifices you are making for the mission of evangelization in distant lands. Not every day of our lives is serene and unclouded, but let us never forget the words of the Lord Jesus to his friends before his Passion: “In the world you will have tribulations, but be courageous: I have conquered the world!” (Jn 16:33).

On World Mission Sunday, a collection is held in churches in support of mission work. For those unable to attend Mass, donations can me made through most parish online giving sites or by making an online donation on the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States website.