World Mission Sunday

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 - Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026

Location: All Parishes
Contact: Stewardship and Development Office
Phone: (501) 664-0340

World Mission Sunday (WMS) is the only worldwide collection mandated by the Code of Canon Law for all dioceses throughout the world. It is a day set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church’s missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice.

WMS is celebrated annually on the next-to-the last Sunday every October. Your prayers and generous financial support directly benefit the mission church, and helps deepen your relationship with Jesus by helping so many missionaries around the world.

This collection gathers funds to be distributed in the pope’s name to support the pastoral and evangelization programs and needs of more than 1,150 mission dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands and remote regions of Latin America. For more information, contact the Stewardship and Development Office at (501) 664-0340. 

This year marks the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday. "For World Mission Day 2026, which marks the centenary of a celebration established by Pius XI that is very dear to the Church, I have chosen the theme 'One in Christ, united in mission,'' explained Pope Leo XIV, in his Message for World Mission Sunday 2026. "Following the jubilee year, I wish to encourage the whole Church to continue its missionary journey with joy and zeal in the Holy Spirit. This requires hearts united in Christ, reconciled communities and, in everyone, a willingness to cooperate with generosity and trust." | World Mission Sunday Prayer Card.

2026 World Mission Sunday Prayer

By Pope Leo XIV for the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday

"Holy Father, make us one in Christ, rooted in his love that unites and renews. May all members of the Church be united in mission, docile to the Holy Spirit, courageous in bearing witness to the Gospel, proclaiming and daily embodying your faithful love for all creatures. 

Bless all missionary men and women, support them in their efforts, and watch over them in hope! Mary, Queen of Missions, accompany our work of evangelization in every corner of the earth: make us instruments of peace, and grant that the whole world may recognize in Christ the light that saves. Amen."