The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has long been instrumental in joining with the universal Catholic Church in our support of the missions. Each year, in cooperation with the Missionary Cooperative Program of the Pontifical Mission Society, we welcome missionaries from dioceses around the globe to visit our parishes in an effort to educate our people about work in their local Church, as well as give us the opportunity to participate in their mission work by requesting the support of prayer and financial assistance in order to meet their needs. In this way, every parish has an opportunity to be part of this global work.
Please know that we are a widespread diocese across 28 counties in south central Illinois. Geographically, while there is an urban presence, including the state capitol, there are also many rural communities. We are bordered by Indiana on the east, and the Mississippi River to the west. To the south is the Belleville Diocese and to the north the Peoria diocese.
Admissions for the 2026 MCP application cycle are now closed.
Applications for the 2027 MCP cycle will be accepted exclusively through this website (no emailed applications) from July 1 through October 31, 2026.
Have you ever wondered how your donations to the summer MCP appeals make a difference in the lives the visiting missionary makes? This is one example that has been shared with the Office for Missions.
The Diocese of Kumbakonam have memorialized our diocese's missionary support (along with other US dioceses) in the form of a memorial plaque, fixed at the entrance of St. Peter's Arts & Science College at Melaneduvai. This college was started 8 years ago (2017) to empower Catholic Youth from some remote rural areas in this diocese, in order to enable them to get a college degree. But for our help, this ministry of higher education to poor Catholic Youth would not have been possible. The Bishop, the Clergy, the staff and students of this college are very grateful to you and assure to pray for you and your diocese. Thank you. Fr. Selva Raj.