A R C H D I O C E S E  O F  N E W A R K
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the Office for the Propagation of the Faith do?

Propagation of the Faith is part of the Pontifical Mission Aid Society of the church. It has three primary goals:

  • To raise awareness about the needs of the church around the world
  • To encourage prayer for missionaries and the many people they serve
  • To encourage monetary donations to the mission
What are the missions of the church?
The church's missions are on every continent, existing in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. Missions are also located in certain areas of the United States, for example, the deep south, the Appalachian Mountain region, several dioceses in Texas, and in Northern Alaska.
What determines whether a region or country will become a mission of the Catholic Church?

The Vatican determines which countries or regions require assistance in building their local church and proclaiming the Gospel to the people. These missions are primarily needed in third world countries where the Gospel has not been proclaimed; the church has not been firmly established; or the church, although established, is harassed by governments. Wherever people suffer injustice or material and spiritual need, there is mission.

The church views missions as part of the responsibility of all people to renew and deepen the spiritual life of the faithful.

  What happens to the money raised by the Office for the Propagation of the Faith?

Less than 10% of the money raised by the office goes to administration and promotions. More than 90% goes directly to the missions.

That 90% goes to:

  • Mission churches and chapels in slums and rural areas around the world and in the US
  • Catholic schools -- sometimes the only source of education in an area
  • Orphanages
  • Medical clinics -- providing basic medical care
  • Catechetical centers
  • Seminaries
  • Houses of Formation for Religious Sisters
  • Transportation -- in order for priests to travel to areas previously isolated from the church
  • Emergency relief for victims of natural disasters
One thousand dioceses around the world rely heavily on the money raised by the Office for the Propagation of the Faith
How can I donate money to the Missions of the Catholic Church?

You can give as much or as little as you can to: The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, 171 Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104-9500, or call the Archdiocesan Director for the Propagation of the Faith, Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Fuhrman, (973) 497-4375. You can also give through:

Legacies
Through their Wills many remember the Missions. This is done in gratitude for the blessings they have received in this life. Their charity thus lives on after them as a Memorial, and makes an enormous difference for good in the world.

Deferred Giving Programs (Annuities, Pooled Income Fund, Trusts)
Many archdiocesan donors participate in one or other of the deferred giving programs of the Society. Through these programs they receive generous income for life and tax benefits. Most importantly, they are leaving the remainder to the Missions.

How can children become involved in giving to the missions?

Through the Holy Childhood Association, children are taught that they have a responsibility to the world. The motto of "Children Helping Children" is promoted through Catholic schools and religious education programs. The goals are the same as for adults:

  • To raise awareness about the needs of the church and children around the world
  • To encourage prayer for missionaries and the many children they serve
  • To encourage monetary donations to the missions from children of Catholic faith
How can my school become involved in the Holy Childhood Association?
Teachers or employees of schools can and should encourage awareness among students and faculty. Each school assigns a mission moderator to promote the goals of the Holy Childhood Association. For more information call, Sr. Diane Corollo at (973) 497- 4375.
  What is the Society of St. Peter?
  The Society of St. Peter is the Church's central fund for support of seminaries, seminarians and novices in all mission diocese. For more information call, Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Fuhrman, (973) 497-4375.
What is World Mission Sunday?
The third Sunday in October has been designated by Pope John Paul II as World Mission Sunday. This is an annual, universal observance of the missionary mandate of Christ that His Church "baptize all nations" and preach the truth of the Gospel. World Mission Sunday is another opportunity for all Catholics to grow in their awareness of the missions and to sacrifice on behalf of others, that the Gospel and sacraments will reach to the ends of the earth.
Archdiocese of Newark, 171Clifton Ave., Newark, NJ 07104-0500
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