Each year, Catholics around the world unite on World Mission Sunday in prayer, solidarity and support for the missionary work of the Church. World Mission Sunday will be celebrated Oct. 18, 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of this global day of prayer and sacrifice established by Pope Pius XI in 1926.
For this centenary year, Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme “One in Christ, united in mission,” calling the entire Church to renew its missionary vocation and recognize that every baptized person shares in the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel.
Your generosity helps support:
• The formation of seminarians, priests and religious
• Missionary catechists and faith formation
• The building and support of churches and parishes
• Mission dioceses and territories throughout the world
• Catholic schools, health centers, orphanages and other ministries
• Communities where the Church is young, poor or facing persecution
• Missionaries bringing the Gospel to communities throughout the world
Why Participate?
World Mission Sunday is a visible expression of the unity of the universal Church. Through prayer and financial support, Catholics participate directly in Christ’s call to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” — Matthew 28:19
The offerings collected on World Mission Sunday are entrusted to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies, and distributed to support the Church in mission territories throughout the world.
Every prayer, sacrifice and gift helps missionaries proclaim the Gospel and strengthens Catholic communities where the Church needs our support most.
Blessed Fulton J. Sheen and the Missions
The centennial celebration of World Mission Sunday carries special significance in 2026 with the beatification of Blessed Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on Sept. 24.
Sheen served as National Director of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA from 1950 to 1966 and dedicated much of his ministry to inspiring American Catholics to pray for and support the missions.
“My greatest love has always been for the missions of the Church.”
His missionary legacy reminds us that each of us has a role in bringing Christ to the world through our prayers, sacrifices and generosity.
Ways to Give
• Give through your parish during the World Mission Sunday collection on Oct. 18.
• Contact your parish office for collection details.
• Support missionaries and mission communities through your continued prayers.
• Make an online gift using the link below.
Join us in this mission
Together, one in Christ and united in mission, we can help proclaim the Gospel, form future Church leaders and strengthen Catholic communities throughout the world.
One in Christ. United in Mission.
Printable Materials from The Pontifical Mission Societies USA
• Blessed Fulton J. Sheen World Mission Sunday Poster
• World Mission Sunday 2026 Poster
• World Mission Sunday Prayer Card
• World Mission Sunday Collection Envelope
• World Mission Sunday at a Glance
• World Mission Sunday Homily Helps
• Message of Pope Leo XIV for the 100th World Mission Day