Stories

What is the Mission of the Church? Understanding Its Purpose Today

An overview of the Church’s mission today and how Catholic missionaries bring hope, faith, and compassion worldwide.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Saint Joseph Seeks a Lodging in Bethlehem (Saint Joseph cherche un gîte à Bethléem), 1886–1894.

A Family in Mission

A reflection on the Holy Family as a family on mission, shaped by obedience, service, exile, and trust in God.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ (La nativité de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ), 1886–1894.

“What Is There to Say? It’s Christmas.”

A Christmas reflection on Christ’s birth, divine solidarity, true joy, and the mission to share the Good News today.

A Special Christmas Message from Monsignor Roger J. Landry, our National Director

A Christmas message reflecting on the Nativity, the Eucharist, and the light of Christ shining through mission communities worldwide.

Who Is the New Archbishop of New York? Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks and the Mission of Mercy

Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks is appointed archbishop of New York, with installation set for February 6, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Vision of Saint Joseph (Vision de Saint Joseph), 1886–1894.

St. Joseph’s mission, waiting for Jesus - Emmanuel “God with us”

Today's Gospel shows Joseph's dream and the mystery it reveals: Jesus saves and fulfills God's promise made flesh.

Pope Leo and a White Sox Hat: Understanding the Viral Story

Pope Leo’s viral White Sox cap moment tells a deeper story of faith, identity, and joy—rooted in his Chicago upbringing.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Childhood of Saint John the Baptist (L'enfance de saint Jean-Baptiste), 1886–1894.

“Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord” (Jas 5:7)

John the Baptist’s doubts reveal a call to steadfast, joy-filled faith as we await Christ’s coming on Gaudete Sunday.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Saint John the Baptist and the Pharisees (Saint Jean-Baptiste et les pharisiens), 1886–1894.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

John the Baptist invites us to conversion and readiness as we prepare the way of the Lord in this Advent season.

Love without fear, pope tells Lebanese church workers

Pope Leo XIV listens to stories of faith and resilience in Lebanon, calling the Church to a mission of solidarity and peace.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Communion of the Apostles (La communion des apôtres), 1886–1894.

Wisdom in Expectation of the Son of Man

The Gospel invites us to live Advent with vigilance and wisdom, embracing the missionary call present in every Mass.

Formed by the Eucharist, Sent in Mission: Vietnam’s Youth Are Changing the Church from the Ground Up

Vietnam’s Eucharistic Youth Movement is forming joyful young missionaries who are renewing the Church from the inside out.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). It Is Finished (Consummatum Est), 1886–1894.

The Mission of the Crucified King

A powerful reflection on the kingship of Christ crucified—meek, merciful, and eternally present—calling us to continue His mission of love and salvation for the world.

Children at Mass on World Mission Sunday, Diocese of LA

Looking Back at October: A Month of Mission and Prayer with the Missionary Childhood Association

MCA youth across the U.S. celebrated Mission Month with prayer, action, and joyful witness to the Gospel.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Jesus Speaks Near the Treasury (Jésus parle près du trésor), 1886–1896.

“For I Myself Shall Give You a Wisdom in Speaking” – Christian Faith and Mission in the Time of "the End"

Christ calls missionary disciples to persevere, discern, and witness as the world passes away and the Kingdom draws near.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Jerusalem Jerusalem (Jérusalem Jérusalem), 1886–1894.

The Zeal for Your House

Jesus cleanses the Temple and reveals the Church as His body, calling us to holiness, faith, and zeal for God’s house.

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Zacchaeus in the Sycamore Awaiting the Passage of Jesus

“Today Salvation Has Come to This House”: Zacchaeus and the Mission of Forgiveness

A reflection on Zacchaeus and how confession, mercy, and love form the heart of Christian mission.

The Pharisee, the Tax Collector, and the Privileged Path of Mission

A powerful reflection on humility, prayer, and the missionary heart through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Our Lady of the Lepers

A broken statue and a hidden illness reveal a powerful story of healing, dignity, and Our Lady’s quiet love.

Inspired to Mission: The Living Word and Our Call to Witness

How Scripture, divinely inspired and alive in the Church, forms hearts for mission and unveils God’s saving plan.