Root / Catholic Church / Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales / Working Internationally / Department of International Affairs / Pontifical Mission Societies

Pontifical Mission Societies

The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) are the official support organisation for the overseas mission of the Catholic Church.

The Pontifical Mission Societies comprise the following:

  • Association for the Propagation of the Faith (APF)
  • Society of St Peter the Apostle (SPA)
  • Holy Childhood – Mission Together (MT)
  • The Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU)

Since 1922, the PMS have been the Catholic Church’s official instruments for the spreading of the Gospel in the world, especially in countries where the Church is new, young or poor.

The societies aim to foster the growth of missionary awareness, prayer and cooperation in the whole Church – to bring ‘Christ to the Nations.’

They guarantee an effective collection of funds and support to every mission diocese in the world according to its specific needs. The funds collected in each diocese of England and Wales are sent directly to local bishops in the mission territories.



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