“Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all mankind.” Mt 16:15. How can we, as parishioners of St. Anthony’s, St. Joseph’s, and Sacred Heart Parish, obey this command of Jesus? Supporting World Mission Sunday allows us to do this. World Mission Sunday traces its roots back to the 19th and early 20th centuries as the Catholic Church sought to organize global support for its missions. In 1822, Pauline Jaricot founded the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in France, creating a foundational model for international collaboration and financial assistance to overseas missions. Building on these efforts, Pope Pius XI officially centralized the various missionary societies under Vatican authority in 1922 as the Pontifical Mission Societies. Four years later, in 1926, Pope Pius XI formally established World Mission Sunday as an annual, worldwide observance to unify the faithful in prayer and material support for the growing church. Marking its historic 100th anniversary this Sunday, October 18, 2026, the milestone celebration highlights a century of global solidarity. Over the past 100 years, mission territories have expanded dramatically from roughly 296 jurisdictions and 9.6 million Catholics in 1926 to more than 1,100 mission dioceses today serving hundreds of millions of people. This year’s global observance centers on the theme “One in Christ, united in mission,” chosen by Pope Leo XIV to emphasize the deep spiritual communion of the Church across all borders and cultures. The primary purpose of World Mission Sunday is to sustain young, impoverished, or persecuted dioceses across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Oceania, and the Middle East. Contributions collected on this day directly fund essential infrastructure and pastoral needs. These resources help build and maintain local parish churches, schools, healthcare clinics, and social institutions, while also supporting the training of local priests, religious sisters, and lay catechists who guide developing faith communities. Catholics and supporters can actively participate in and back the mission cause through several key avenues: · Parish Collection: Make a direct financial contribution this weekend to the special World Mission Sunday second collection held during Mass. · Spiritual Support: Offer daily prayers, rosaries, and sacrifices dedicated to missionaries serving in difficult or hostile regions. · Advocacy and Awareness: Research and share the stories, struggles, and triumphs of global missionaries within local communities and social circles to inspire broader solidarity. Together, we can help bring about God’s kingdom by Supporting World Mission Sunday. Let’s do our part!