Missions
Called and Sent: 'You shall be my witnesses' (Acts 1:8)
The Church is missionary by its nature. Through the great commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19), Jesus gave each baptized person a missionary assignment. That assignment is to help others know, love and serve God by baptizing and teaching in the name of the Trinity both locally and abroad. The diocesan Missions Office exists to support and promote the missionary life of the Church serving as the hub of the diocese for mission animation, education and awareness.
The office represents the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, which include the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Missionary Childhood Association, the Society of St. Peter Apostle, and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious. These programs fall directly under the authority of the pope. Their primary purpose is the promotion of a universal missionary spirit – a spirit of prayer and sacrifice – among all baptized Catholics.
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Pontifical Mission Societies
What are they?
The Pontifical Mission Societies consist of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Missionary Childhood Association, the Society of St. Peter Apostle and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious.
What do they do?
The Pontifical Mission Societies have, as their primary purpose, the promotion of a universal missionary spirit — a spirit of prayer and sacrifice — among all baptized Catholics. The first three Societies, in carrying out that goal, invite baptized Catholics to express their missionary commitment by offering their prayers, personal sacrifices and financial support for the work of the Church in the Missions. The Missionary Union of Priests and Religious works to deepen mission awareness among priests, men and women Religious, catechists, and educators so that they are fully prepared to take on the mission formation of the faithful.
World Mission Day
World Mission Day is celebrated in every parish throughout the world on the next-to-last Sunday in October. The Pontifical Mission Societies provide for a global network of people who are making a difference for the poor and forgotten. This worldwide liturgical celebration is the only annual appeal of this nature.
2022 resources for parishes and individuals
Read Bishop Walkowiak's World Mission Day letter to parishioners
(English | Español)
Read Pope Francis' 2022 World Mission Day message
(English | Español)
Approximately 1,150 mission dioceses receive support from the Propagation of the Faith’s General Fund for their ordinary operations. These funds form the “lifeblood” of mission dioceses, as they are the monies used to finance the needs of the mission Church throughout the world. The funds are destined for mission lands, the vast majority of which are located in Africa and Asia.
How is my World Mission Sunday donation used?
Give online through the diocese
Missionary Cooperation
Every other year between January 1 and September 30, parishes in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are expected to host a speaker from a mission congregation, lay mission organization, or mission diocese. This is the Missionary Cooperation Plan (MCP) of the United States Catholic Church. The two‑fold purpose of the plan is to provide opportunities for appeals for prayer and financial support from Catholics of the United States; and to be educated about what is happening in the mission field around the world today.
Each year well over 100 applications are received for approximately 15 spots. In order to be considered for the following year, the deadline for all applicants is November 30. This policy applies to all groups, with the exception of Catholic Relief Services and authorized twinning relationships, who desire access to parishes for direct or indirect support for their overseas missionary/aid ministries.
For information about application deadlines and how to apply, contact Father Stephen Dudek.
Parish Twinning
Many parishes in our diocese have developed formal twinning relationshipswith other ecclesial communities throughout the world. These partnerships are excellent ways to promote mutuality and solidarity and are based in a very specific solidarity-based Parish Partnership model drawn from the extensive worldwide experience of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) which insists on:
- Emphasizing relationships over resources
Practicing mutuality and equality
Seeking to give and receive, learn and teach
Working to change unjust systems and structures
Deepening our faith by experiencing the universal Catholic Church
Volunteer
Catholic Volunteer Network (Mission Trips)
Contact:301-270-0900
Become a Maryknoll Lay Missioner
Contact: Send email to join@mklm.org, or call 914-467-8857
Resources for service immersion and mission trips from Catholic Relief Services