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World Mission Sunday 2020 - 18th October
World Mission Sunday is the Holy Father's annual direct appeal for spiritual and financial support so that the life-giving work of missionaries can continue.
It always falls over the second last weekend in October, and similar to the Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land and Peter's Pence, it is one of three yearly Universal Church collections. Since its announcement as a papal collection, all parishes worldwide have offered Mass collections from the day to aid the work of missionaries and mission overseas.
Why is World Mission Sunday Important?
World Mission Sunday is a moment of universal solidarity, when each member of the Church family, regardless of location or background, can play their part in supporting each other. This is why it is such a special and vital celebration.
All offerings made for World Mission Sunday become part of the Holy Father's Universal Solidarity Fund. The Universal Solidarity Fund is a life-line for some of the most marginalised communities and missionaries in our Church family in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In fact, it is essential not only for their future – but the Church's future.
The needs of the Church in mission dioceses, of which there are over 1,100, continue to grow. As new dioceses form and expand, so do basic needs. On top of this, mission dioceses are often in remote areas devastated by war and natural disasters, where suppressed communities are just opening up to the life-saving message of Jesus Christ.
This is why Pope Francis Universal Solidarity Fund is so important. It offers young and impoverished dioceses the financial and spiritual assistance they need to help their men, women and children to survive, and hopefully thrive!
Who Organises World Mission Sunday?
In Ireland, World Missions Ireland is responsible for coordinating World Mission Sunday. We are part of a global network serving the Church in over 120 countries. Many of our international offices are known as 'Missio' or 'The Pontifical Mission Societies' and together we are the Church's charity for overseas mission.
What is Actually Supported?
The needs of mission dioceses can vary greatly. Anything from a motorbike so a priest can celebrate Mass in a remote village, to a community hall to allow people to gather and celebrate in safety, or more urgently vaccinations and medicines to protect vulnerable children in parish dispensaries.
In essence World Mission Sunday:
- Provides basic Church infrastructure by helping communities build schools, clinics, parish halls, churches, etc
- Prepares the future leaders and carers of the Church by supporting the training of sisters, priests, religious brothers and catechists
- Supports missionary programmes that protect and care for children's wellbeing by offering safe shelter, healthcare, education, and hope for the future
Parish Mission Month Pack
Every year to enhance World Mission Sunday celebrations we prepare the Mission Month Pack. These resources are designed to help individuals, parishes and communities celebrate not just World Mission Sunday, but the entire month of October.
Feel free to use and share these resources with your wider community in any way you wish – in person, from the pulpit, on your website, or over social media! Click below to download
You may also be interested in...
- A Series of Presentations on Mission Today
Throughout October, the Diocese of Derry Mission team are offering a series of presentations on what mission means in today's society. Each presentation is free and will be available online through Zoom. Click for more information
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