The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith seeks to increase prayerful and financial support for Catholic churches in mission territories. We invite you to learn more about the work of the Society and how you can help support our brothers and sisters around the world.
We are the official missionary arm of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Through prayer, mission education, and financial support, we help connect the faithful of Detroit with the Church's mission throughout the World.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies. Under the direction of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (Rome, Italy) and the bishops, The Society for the Propagation of the Faith seeks to foster an ever-deeper spirit of universal mission, to inform Catholics of the life and the needs of the Catholic Church in the Missions, and to encourage prayer and financial help for those mission churches.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith was founded by a young French girl named Pauline Jaricot who wished to support the missions. Her plan was to form groups of ten persons into “circles”, each of which would organize another group of ten. These groups would be formed into units of one hundred and the hundreds into thousands, each with its own leader. Every member was expected to make a weekly offering and pray daily for the missions.
This became known as The Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The first collection, in 1822 was sent to the missions in China, Kentucky and the diocese of Louisiana, which included all of the territory from the Florida Keys to Canada. The United States continued to receive funds from the Pontifical Mission Societies until 1908, when it became mission independent.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith - New York City, NY. (n.d.). Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from https://propagationarchny.org/
In the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith was formally incorporated in 1928. For nearly a century, it has served as a mission-focused organization of the Church, supporting the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies and connecting the faithful of Detroit to the universal Church. Through the leadership of dedicated clergy and lay collaborators, including the long-standing service of Monsignor James Moloney, the Society has remained committed to prayer, formation, and financial support for missions worldwide.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
Phone Number:
(313) 237-5807
Email:
info@propfaithaod.org
Mailing Address:
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
12 State Street
Detroit, MI 48226
Missionary Cooperative Plan (MCP)
The Missionary Cooperative Plan (MCP) takes place each summer within the Archdiocese of Detroit. Through MCP, missionaries, religious communities, and mission dioceses are invited to share the story of their mission and raise support for missionary work throughout the world. These annual appeals help build missionary awareness and strengthen the connection between the local Church and the Universal Church.
Please note:
- Applications must be submitted annually for consideration.
- Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
- Suitability letters and all required documentation must be received prior to the scheduled appeal date.
- Missionaries are responsible for coordinating appeal dates directly with their assigned parishes.
- Checks are issued to the missionary organization, diocese, or religious community listed on the approved MCP application. If payment is to be issued to a different organization, this must be disclosed on the application and supporting documentation must be provided.
- For questions regarding MCP, please contact the Propagation of the Faith Office.
For questions regarding MCP, please contact the Propagation of the Faith Office.
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Stipend Program For Dioceses and Religious Communities
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith assists mission dioceses and religious communities by distributing Mass stipends received from donors. These offerings help support priests serving in mission territories while ensuring that Mass intentions entrusted by donors are fulfilled.
Please note:
- The Mass Stipend Program is separate from the Missionary Cooperative Plan (MCP).
- Mass stipends are tied to donor Mass intentions.
- Submission of a request does not guarantee funding.
- Additional information or documentation may be requested.
For questions regarding the Mass Stipend Program, please contact the Propagation of the Faith Office.
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Parish Resources
To assist with annual mailings and mission resources, parishes are asked to complete the Parish Annual Update Form each year.
The form allows the Society for the Propagation of the Faith to maintain current parish contact information and determine the quantity of materials needed for programs such as World Mission Sunday and the Missionary Cooperative Plan (MCP).
Please submit the form by January 15 each year.
World Mission Sunday
World Mission Sunday is celebrated each year on the second-to-last Sunday of October and is the Holy Father's annual worldwide collection for the missions. Established by Pope Pius XI in 1926, World Mission Sunday unites Catholics throughout the world in prayer and support for the Church's missionary work. Funds collected through World Mission Sunday assist mission dioceses, religious communities, seminaries, schools, catechetical programs, and pastoral ministries in areas where the Church is young, growing, and often facing significant challenges.
Please note:
- World Mission Sunday is the Church's primary annual collection for the missions.
- This collection is specifically referenced in Canon Law (Canon 791).
- Resources for parishes are distributed annually through the Propagation of the Faith Office.
- Collection materials typically include envelopes, posters, and prayer resources.
For questions regarding World Mission Sunday, please contact the Propagation of the Faith Office
Missionary Childhood Association
The Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) helps children develop a missionary spirit through prayer, sacrifice, generosity, and service. Catholic schools and religious education programs can participate through activities such as daily prayer, the Mission Rosary, Mite Boxes, Advent and Lenten mission projects, mission education lessons, classroom service activities, and the annual Christmas Artwork Contest.
Important Note
Participation does not require fundraising. Even a simple prayer for the missions helps children understand their role in the Universal Church.
Interested in participating in the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA)? For information, resources, or assistance getting started, please contact:
Stefanie Blackburn
Diocesan Coordinator
Society for the Propagation of the Faith
blackburn.stefanie@aod.org
313-596-7349
Donate
As a baptized Catholic, you have the privilege and responsibility to participate in the worldwide mission of the Church by offering your prayers, sacrifices, and financial support throughout the year, especially during Advent and Lent.
As a member of The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, you are asked to pray daily to the patrons of the missions for the missionary work of the Church by saying the Our Father, Hail Mary, "St. Francis Xavier, Pray for us," "St. Therese of Lisieux, Pray for us," and "Our Lady Queen of the Missions, Pray for us."
How do my contributions help the Missions?
Mission dioceses receive funds annually to assist them in catechetical programs, seminaries, communication and transportation needs, building of chapels and churches, and assisting the work of Religious Communities. Your donations enable the missionaries to bring the gift of hope to the poor when they learn about God’s saving love for them. The missionaries who give to the missions by going cannot do this without you. In Baptism you were called to be a missionary… you are the missionaries who go to the missions by giving.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is always strengthened by your generosity and assures you that every gift makes a difference.
Should you desire and have the means to make a long-term impact on The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, there are many options to choose other than simply writing a check. If you have any questions, we ask that you contact us at your convenience and we will be happy to discuss programs that suit your needs and desires.
Planned Giving Options
When you remember The Society for the Propagation of the Faith in your estate plans, you are providing it with the power to continue its work in years to come. Your gift can:
- Provide gift plans that benefit you and your family
- Help you acquire immediate and deferred tax advantages for both you and your heirs
- Make a significant impact on our goals
We are here to help you should you desire it. However, we always recommend that you consult your own tax and/or legal advisor prior to making a planned gift.
Types of Gifts
- Wills and bequests
- Gifts of stocks and bonds
- Life insurance
- Charitable remainder trust
- Charitable remainder unitrust
- Charitable remainder annuity trust
- Charitable lead trust
Give now to support the work of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith
