Bishop Richard J. Malone

Every year we remember in a special way our baptismal call to mission as we celebrate World Mission Sunday, which is being held this year on Oct. 18. On this Sunday, we will gather at the Eucharist, as will Catholics throughout the world, in a spirit of love for evangelization so that, through our prayers and concrete acts of solidarity, the gift of faith may be shared with all.

This year's celebration is further enriched as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church (Ad Gentes) which proclaims, "The pilgrim Church on earth is missionary by its very nature," reminding us that all of us are called to be on mission.

In his message for World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis writes, "Mission is part of the 'grammar' of faith, something essential for those who listen to the voice of the Spirit who whispers "Come' and 'Go forth.' Those who follow Christ cannot fail to be missionaries ..."

Your financial help on World Mission Sunday, offered in the second collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, will support the 1,150 young mission dioceses in our world, reaching the poorest communities with a message of hope and healing, mercy and peace.

Pope Francis emphasizes that "mission is a passion for Jesus and at the same time a passion for his people." Let us have that same passion this World Mission Sunday, as we share the joy of the Gospel and help the poor by our fervent prayer and through generous hearts.