The Pontifical Mission Societies are effectively the “primary means” of awakening missionary responsibility among all the baptized and supporting ecclesial communities in areas where the Church is young (cf. Decree Ad Gentes, 38) - (Pope Leo XIV)

Present in 140+ countries around the world, the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) promote a universal missionary spirit, a spirit of prayer and sacrifice among all baptized Catholics to gather support for the worldwide missions of the Church. 

There are four Pontifical Mission Societies:

• The Society of the Propagation of the Faith (established May 3, 1922) supports the growing needs of mission dioceses, primarily in the developing world. On Mission Sunday, the third Sunday in October each year, the Propagation of the Faith organizes a collection for the Universal Solidarity Fund for redistribution to churches in Mission territories, contributing toward the building and maintenance of churches, rectories, convents, pastoral and retreat centres, community centres in mission territories as well as formation and training programs for catechists and assistance to missionaries.

• The Holy Childhood Association (established May 3, 1922) focusses on the formation of and the needs of children. Working under the Motto: Children helping Children funds collected during the year aid with building schools, orphanages, health centres, recreational facilities and shelter for street children as well as support for feeding programs and educational materials.

• The Society of St. Peter the Apostle (established May 3, 1922), funded primarily through a universal collection on Vocation/Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter each year, supports the education and training of seminarians and religious brothers and sisters in mission territories.

• The Pontifical Missionary Union (established 28 October 1956) focusses on prayer, information and animation of mission. Its aim is to provide a profound missionary conscience among pastors and laity. It is often regarded as the “soul” of the other three societies.

Recognized as “Pontifical” each of these societies is an instrument of the Holy Father for supporting, with prayer and charity, the missio ad gentes of the Church, allowing the Holy Father to care for and nourish the many pastoral needs of young Churches in mission territories.

Through the PMS, each baptized person is encouraged to a full participation in the life and mission of the Universal Church and its mission.

Further information about the work and history of the Pontifical Mission Societies can be found on the website of the Pontifical Mission Societies office in Toronto:Pontifical Mission Societies