The Diocese of Allentown is committed to supporting those in need, both locally and worldwide. Navigate to our various mission initiatives below or using the righthand menu.
World Mission Sunday
Celebrated every year on the second-to-last Sunday of October, World Mission Sunday is the day when Catholics around the world unite to support the missionary work of the Church. Established by Pope Pius XI in 1926, it remains the only annual global collection that directly supports mission territories where the Church is young, struggling, or persecuted. On this day, every parish, in every diocese, in every country, joins in prayer and giving to ensure that missionaries can continue their vital work—building churches, forming priests, supporting catechists, and serving communities in need.
For more information, please visit the World Mission Sunday webpage: here.
Missionary Cooperative Plan
In partnership with The Pontifical Mission Societies, the Diocese of Allentown implements the annual Missionary Cooperation Plan of the U.S. Catholic Church so that mission congregations, lay organizations, and mission diocesesfrom around the world can bring news of their work and also appeal for prayer and financial support from U.S. Catholics. Started in the late 1930’s, the Missionary Cooperation Plan is a special opportunity for parishioners to connect with missionary efforts that serve communities and share the Gospel around the world. Please extend a warm welcome to the missionaries who share their faith stories in your parish.
For more information, please visit the Missionary Cooperation Plan webpage: here.
Missionary Childhood Association
Authorized by the Vatican, and in collaboration with the U.S. Bishops, the Missionary Childhood Association inspires a missionary spirit in children throughout the world. The Association provides educational resources and fundraising materials for schools and religious education programs so that children can learn, pray, sacrifice, and support young people in the developing world who are most in need.
For more information, please visit the Missionary Childhood Association webpage: here.
Operation Rice Bowl
Fifty years ago, Catholics in our own Diocese of Allentown organized to bring help to families facing famine in Africa. That help came in the form of a small cardboard box, marking the beginning of “Operation Rice Bowl.” Today, as we celebrate Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl’s 50th anniversary, the program is a tradition for millions of Catholics in the United States who continue to answer the Gospel call, supporting families experiencing hunger around the world.
For more information, please visit the Operation Rice Bowl webpage: here.
Diocesan Local Poverty Relief Fund
Diocesan Poverty Relief grants, which are funded by a special annual second collection, support a wide range of local projects and services that alleviate and address poverty in Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties.
Additional information and grant applications are available on the Diocese of Allentown Local Poverty Relief webpage: here.
Diocesan and National Collections
Throughout the year, second collections for local, national, and international ministries are a practical expression of our unity with our bother sand sisters in the Body of Christ throughout the year.
A full calendar of collections for Diocesan, National, and Overseas needs is available under "Resources."
