KC Reporter

On World Mission Sunday, Catholics worldwide are called to reflect on their role in supporting the missionary work of the Church. This year’s theme, “Missionaries of Hope Among the Peoples,” was chosen by Pope Francis and resonates with the vision of Pope Leo XIV, who recently began his papacy. Pope Leo XIV’s background as a missionary in Peru adds significance to this year’s observance.

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of The Pontifical Mission Societies, stating they are “the primary means for awakening missionary responsibility among all the baptized [and for] supporting ecclesial communities in areas where the Church is young.” His experience as a missionary highlights the ongoing need for support in regions where Catholic communities are still developing.

Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., of Kansas City-St. Joseph, reminded parishioners that the Catholic Church in the United States was once considered mission territory itself. He noted that over a century ago, American Catholics relied on international support through collections overseen by organizations such as the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

Today, Bishop Johnston encouraged Catholics to continue this tradition by supporting missionaries and church leaders working in 1,124 mission territories across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania, and the Middle East. These areas often face challenges such as poverty and persecution and depend on both prayers and financial assistance from Catholics worldwide.

Funds collected during World Mission Sunday will aid The Pontifical Mission Societies in providing resources for seminarian and religious formation, training lay catechists, educating children in Catholic schools, offering medical care through church-run facilities, and maintaining churches and parish centers.

“Your prayers and sacrifices today ensure that the light of Christ reaches the ends of the earth. The Church’s mission is not the responsibility only of those who serve in distant lands; it belongs to all of us by baptism. Each time we support the missions, we affirm that we are one Church, one family in Christ, united in bringing hope and love to all people,” Bishop Johnston wrote.

He urged parishioners to contribute generously: “I encourage you to respond with a generous heart, knowing that your support makes a real difference in the lives of those who might otherwise never hear the Gospel.”

Online donations can be made at pontificalmissions.org.

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