Catholic Church > The Bishops' Work > Overseas Mission Work
Since 1922, Missio, formerly Pontifical Mission Societies, has been the Catholic Church’s official support organisation for overseas mission.
Missio has four branches, each with its own unique focus:
The Pope specifically asks Missio to help bring the Good News of Christ to the world, especially in countries where the Church is new, young or poor. Missio cares for and supports the younger churches until they are able to be self-sufficient.
Missio raises awareness and fosters prayer and cooperation in the whole Church, with 120 offices worldwide, it is the only organisation which supports every one of the 1,069 mission dioceses of the world.
Missio exists through the generosity of Catholics. Thanks to their support, Missio can respond in faith and love to the needs of our brothers and sisters, especially where poverty is most severe. Missio plays a crucial role in combating poverty, disease, injustice and exploitation.
The funds collected in each diocese of England and Wales are sent directly to local bishops in the mission territories.
Missio is a registered charity No.1056651, governed by a Trust Deed dated 18 June 1996.
Missio is part of the Pontifical Mission Societies worldwide network and does not receive grants from the Government or EU sources and does not keep investments.
The Missio website has all the latest news, information, publications and resources. It also has subsections for the four mission societies.
Click here to visit Missio.