KC Reporter

On World Mission Sunday, Catholics worldwide are being called to renew their commitment to supporting the missionary work of the Church. In a letter addressed to the faithful, Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. of Kansas City-St. Joseph highlighted the significance of this day and emphasized collective responsibility in spreading the Gospel.

"Today we celebrate World Mission Sunday, a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to announce the Gospel to all nations. It is a day when Catholics around the world unite in prayer and solidarity to support the missionary work of the Church," wrote Bishop Johnston.

This year’s theme, “Missionaries of Hope among Peoples,” was chosen by Pope Francis and reflects both his vision and that of Pope Leo XIV, who recently became the new Holy Father. Bishop Johnston noted that Pope Leo XIV spent much of his ministry working in remote regions of Peru and underscored his message: "The Pontifical Mission Societies are 'the main means for awakening missionary responsibility in all baptized [and for] supporting ecclesial communities in places where the Church is young.'"

Bishop Johnston also reminded American Catholics that their own church was once considered mission territory just over a century ago. He explained that early growth was made possible by international support through financial contributions, priests, religious personnel, and infrastructure provided by Catholics from Europe and elsewhere.

He continued: "Without that missionary support, many dioceses we know today would have struggled even more to grow." The bishop referenced collections organized by organizations such as The Society for the Propagation of the Faith as essential in building up Catholic communities across America.

Currently, there are 1,124 mission territories worldwide—spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania, and the Middle East—that rely on prayers and financial assistance from Catholics globally. These areas often face poverty or persecution but remain vibrant centers for faith development.

Funds collected during World Mission Sunday go directly toward initiatives such as training seminarians and religious sisters; educating lay catechists; providing schooling for children; offering healthcare through Church-run hospitals; and maintaining churches or parish centers.

Bishop Johnston stated: "Our contributions provide essential resources for the mission of the Church: formation of seminarians and religious women so future leaders are prepared to serve; training lay catechists who bring faith to communities without priests; education for children in Catholic schools where they receive not only knowledge but also a solid foundation in faith; medical care at hospitals run by the Church offering healing where health services are scarce; and construction or maintenance of churches creating sacred spaces where believers can gather."

He concluded with an appeal: "I encourage you to respond with generous hearts knowing your support makes a real difference in lives that might otherwise never hear the Gospel."

World Mission Sunday serves as an opportunity for Catholics everywhere to express unity through prayerful action while reaffirming their baptismal call toward global outreach.