Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

No.

The Pontifical Mission Societies (TPMS) are about formation first.

TPMS connects us to the worldwide Church.

While our faith encourages patriotism guided by Church teachings, Catholicism has no borders.

It isn’t individualist.

We are One Body in Christ.

Yes.
But formation comes first.

TPMS forms us in spiritual solidarity with the global Church — especially where the Church is:

• Too poor
• Too young
• Too persecuted

Our faith teaches a simple sequence to live as Christ:
See. Judge. Act.

From the Widow’s Mite (Lk 21:1–4) to today,
Christ calls us to share what we have —
according to our ability.

We share our time.
We share our gifts.
We share our resources.
Giving flows from solidarity.

TPMS is overseen by the Holy Father through the Dicastery for Evangelization.

This isn’t a side project.
It’s the Church’s official missionary structure.

Funds are entrusted to the Holy Father and distributed through the Dicastery for Evangelization to mission dioceses in dire financial need around the world.

To mission dioceses in:

• Africa
• Asia
• Latin America
• Parts of the Middle East

Places where the Church is too poor, too young, or too persecuted to sustain itself alone.

TPMS supports:

• Catholic orphanages
• Catholic hospitals
• Building new churches
• Building new seminaries for new priests
• Sacrament availability in rural or persecuted regions

All year long.

Formation doesn’t have a season.
Solidarity begins with prayer —
with remembering our brothers and sisters serving in missions
often in poverty,
sometimes in danger.

And yes —

World Mission Sunday
(October 25, 2026)
is a special offertory encouraged by our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.

Parishes and schools participate throughout the year.

This isn’t “extra.”

It’s part of being Catholic.

• Society for the Propagation of the Faith
  Supports mission dioceses' pastoral needs: building churches, schools, ministries
• Society of St. Peter the Apostle
  Forms seminarians and future priests who live in impoverished and persecuted mission territories
• Missionary Childhood Association
  "Children helping children": Formation for children to participate in almsgiving to Catholic mission orphanages and schools
• Missionary Union
  Promotes missionary formation among clergy, religious, and lay leaders worldwide

Together:
Formation. Prayer. Solidarity.

The Missionary Childhood Association (MCA)
forms children as missionaries —

through “Children helping children”
in prayer, education, and almsgiving.

It builds empathy
and awareness of the global Church.

Not someday.
Now.

A formation movement for children.

It teaches them that the Church is bigger than their classroom, parish, or country.

Because Catholic children belong to a global family.

Some of their peers worship in poverty.
Some in danger.

MCA teaches empathy rooted in faith.

Through prayer.
Through stories.
Through small acts of generosity.

Kids learn they already have a role in the Church’s mission.

• Lessons about the universal Church
• Prayer for children around the world
• Mission projects

Formation first.
Always.

Our faith has no borders.

Jesus called us to make disciples of all the nations.
(Mt 28:19–20)

We are a worldwide Church.

TPMS helps us live that reality.

Become a Mission Moderator at your parish or local Catholic school.

Help promote prayer, formation, and awareness
of the global Church.

Want to learn more?

Contact:

Michael Carlson
Director, Office for Missions
[email protected]