Every year, something special happens on the next-to-last Sunday of October: World Mission Sunday. At Mass that Sunday, we recommit ourselves to our common vocation, through Baptism, to be missionaries through prayer, participation in the Eucharist, and by giving generously to the collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
Blessed Pauline Jaricot founded the Society for the Propagation of the Faith exactly 200 years ago, creating a network of prayer and collection for missionaries, so that the faithful could actively participate in the mission “to the ends of the earth.”
As we pray and respond on World Mission Sunday here at home, we share in those celebrations taking place in every parish and school throughout the world. Together, through our prayers and financial support, we support the life-giving presence of the Church in more than 1,100 mission dioceses.
Share your financial gift by using the envelope in our parish collection on October 22 and 23, or donate online at this link.
For more information, contact Father Robert F. Sharman, Diocesan Director of the Office of Pontifical Missions at missions@hbgdiocese.org or 717-657-4804, ext. 240, or visit www.hbgdiocese.org/WMS.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On October 23, World Mission Sunday, we join Catholics worldwide in this annual Eucharistic celebration for the Missions of the Church.
Pope Francis reflects on this year’s theme: “You shall be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). He emphasizes the call to every Christian to bear witness to Christ, to participate in a mission of universal evangelization, and to seek strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Beginning in 1822, the universal fund of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith provided some $7 million in help to the new and growing Churches in the United States. Your prayers and generous support today sustain priests, religious and lay pastoral leaders in more than 1,100 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and parts of Latin America and Europe as they proclaim the Gospel, build the Church and serve the poor.
Blessed Pauline Jaricot began this work 200 years ago. As Pope Francis reminds us, “She accepted God’s inspiration to establish a network of prayer and collection for missionaries so that the faithful could actively participate in the mission ‘to the ends of the earth.’” Her vision would lead to World Mission Sunday, which helps the Pope support missionary activity.
When you contribute to the World Mission Sunday collection, you make it possible for the Holy Father to provide for the formation of our seminarians and religious men and women. You assist in building the schools and orphanages that care for children in places few visit. Missionaries can build churches in areas with scarce resources. Priests and religious Brothers and Sisters can buy food and the bare essentials that make it possible to proclaim the Gospel and celebrate the Sacraments.
I encourage your generosity on World Mission Sunday, especially in this bicentennial anniversary year. Your prayers remain your greatest gift, and your financial support is life-giving to our brothers and sisters in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Gratefully in the Lord,
Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer
Bishop of Harrisburg
Read Pope Francis’ full message for World Mission Sunday at this link
For more information:
Reverend Robert F. Sharman, Diocesan Director
Office of Pontifical Missions, Diocese of Harrisburg
missions@hbgdiocese.org
(717) 657-4804 ext. 240
www.hbgdiocese.org/WMS
Ways to give:
- Using the envelope in your parish collection on October 22 & 23
- At this link
