World Mission Sunday 2021 Resources for Parishes

From Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

World Mission Sunday – the annual, worldwide Eucharistic celebration for the Missions of the Church – will be on October 24 this year. This important day in the life of the Church universal fortifies our understanding of our shared call to mission, bestowed upon us at Baptism. 

Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Sunday reflects on the theme: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). The Holy Father shares his zeal, reminding us that, “as Christians, we cannot keep the Lord to ourselves,” as we “recall with gratitude all those men and women who by their testimony of life help us to renew our baptismal commitment to be generous and joyful apostles of the Gospel.” He invites us to speak of our faith! 

World Mission Sunday provides us with that very opportunity. We can speak about our faith and respond to our missionary call – through prayer, participation in the Eucharist, and giving generously to the collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith on that special day. Your gifts support and sustain priests, religious and lay pastoral leaders in more than 1,100 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe as they proclaim the Gospel, build the Church, serve the poor – and speak of our shared faith in all corners of the world. 

“The global pandemic has brought to the fore and amplified the pain, the solitude, the poverty, and the injustices experienced by so many people,” reminds Pope Francis. This year, as the world recovers from the loss and the challenges that resulted, let us respond with reciprocal generosity to the fullest extent that we are able. 

Last year, many were unable to support missionaries due to the difficulties arising from the pandemic and assembly. Any financial support by which your means allow to assist those most in need will be greatly appreciated. As we rebuild our lives, help us to also reach out in solidarity and support for the Mission Church, and the work and witness of missionaries in the Pope’s missions. 

In this spirit, I offer my sincere personal gratitude for your kind missionary heart, reaching out in love throughout Mission Month. 

Gratefully in the Lord, 

Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone 

Archbishop of San Francisco 

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Letters from the Archbishop and the Pope

Find below letters from our archbishop and the Holy Father in Rome. You may consider sharing these in your church bulletins, our copying and pasting the text into your Flocknote messages to your parishes. In general, it isn’t a great idea to share PDFs via email unless there’s a really good reason (like you want someone to sign your document digitally)

Parish Announcements and Prayers of the Faithful

You can download some suggested Prayers of the Faithful or General Intercessions that may be appropriate for your parish Mass.

To help encourage generosity among your parishioners before World Mission Sunday, it would be a good idea to remind them ahead of time of the appeal. We have for you a few announcements you may wish to use at the pulpit during the announcement time after Mass.

Bulletin and Social Media Resources

Here are resources you can use for your bulletin

Parish Return Form

After your collection has been made, please make out a check to

Society for the Propagation of the Faith

Memo:  World Mission Sunday

and mail the Parish Return Form with the check to

SPOF in the Archdiocese of San Francisco

 Mission Office

1 Peter Yorke Way

San Francisco, CA 94109

Other Resources