Support the Missions

Letter from the Archbishop of Los Angeles

October 2023

Dear Brothers in Christ,

October is the month of the missions. During this special month, we celebrate World Mission Sunday, which will take place on October 22.

Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday in 1926, and the first worldwide collection occurred the following year. Held each year on the third Sunday in October, World Mission Sunday is an effort of the entire Church to help over 1,100 dioceses who cannot sustain themselves because they are too poor, young, or actively persecuted. 

Until 1908, the Church in the United States was a mission territory. We relied on this fund to build our churches and seminaries and support our clergy and religious. Today many foreign missions rely on our generosity to sustain the Church, which is an instrument of God’s love and mercy, His hope and peace. 

For this year’s World Mission Sunday theme, “Hearts on Fire, feet on the move,” Pope Francis takes the Gospel of Luke 24:13-35 to remind us as Catholics of our intense desire to proclaim the Gospels to all just as the apostles felt. As we reflect on this beautiful theme, I encourage you to actively participate in this special celebration by using the materials that are available at www.missionsla.org. Msgr. Terrance Fleming and his staff are available to guide you and your parish community as you prepare for World Mission Sunday.

Thank you for your generosity and support for this most important day for the Church’s Missions. I pray that the Lord’s blessings, through the intercession of Our Lady of the Angels, will continue to flow upon you and your family.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles

Letter from TPMS- Archdiocese of Los Angeles Directors