World Mission Sunday

World Mission Sunday was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926 as a mandatory, global collection to support areas of the world in need: places that have not heard the Gospel, are newly developing a Catholic presence, or are persecuted for their Catholic faith. Today there are 1,150 of such areas. The Pope hosts World Mission Sunday in the spirit of Jesus’s charge to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

Children’s participation in supporting the missions is especially emphasized in this celebration. In the Diocese of Brooklyn, students of Catholic Academies and Faith Formation programs are honored for their generosity through donations to the Missionary Childhood Association throughout the year.

This special mission Mass takes place every penultimate Sunday in October. The next World Mission Sunday (the 100th anniversary!) will take place on October 18th, 2026.

I’ve never met a missionary who regretted being a missionary. They are always so joyful.

– Very Rev. Thomas Ahern, Diocesan Director
World Mission Sunday 2024 homily

In the Diocese of Brooklyn, Catholic Academies and Religious Education programs that donated to the Missionary Childhood Association are awarded for their selfless generosity. Below is coverage of the 2025 celebration:

Acknowledgments in 2025

Diocesan Highest Donor
St. Sebastian (Woodside) Catholic Academy

Brooklyn Highest Donor
St. Bernadette (Dyker Heights) Catholic Academy

Queens Highest Donor
St. Sebastian (Woodside) Catholic Academy

Banner Award ($1,000+)
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (Bayside) Faith Formation
St. Joseph Catholic Academy (Long Island City)
St. Mary Gate of Heaven (Ozone Park) Faith Formation
St. Teresa of Avila-St. Anthony of Padua (South Ozone Park) Faith Formation

Certificates of Appreciation (any amount donated)
American Martyrs (Bayside) Faith Formation
Christ the King (Springfield Gardens) Faith Formation
Immaculate Conception (Astoria) Faith Formation
Sacred Heart of Jesus (Bayside) Faith Formation
St. Adalbert (Elmhurst) Faith Formation
St. Camillus-St. Virgilius (Broad Channel) Faith Formation
St. Helen (Howard Beach) Parish
St. Rose of Lima (Kensington) Faith Formation
St. Rose of Lima (Rockaway Beach) Faith Formation

Special Recognition
St. Francis Preparatory High School (Fresh Meadows): donated to “twin” school, Franciscan Secondary School in Lare, Kenya