World Mission Sunday, organized by the Propagation of the Faith, is a day set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church's missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice. Learn more.

In Scotland, Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien joined pupils of St Peter's Primary School in Edinburgh to launch the posters for Mission Month on the theme of 'Faith in Action.' Fr. Tom Welsh SX, (standing) National Director of Missio Scotland, said:

"The theme is particularly appropriate this year, as the annual focus on the missionary work of the church coincides with the launch of the Year of Faith, marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. Pope Benedict has called all to reflect on and deepen our faith, which he describes as a gift which must be shared. This echoes the words of his predecessor, Blessed John Paul II, who encouraged every parish, family and individual to give priority to the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies as the primary channel for meeting our missionary obligation."

The Pontifical Mission Societies are better known under the title Missio Scotland and last year raised almost �347,000 to support the missionary outreach of the Church. This total is the 11th highest total from any country, and quite an achievement for a small country like Scotland, where Catholics number less than 20% of the population. All parishioners have an opportunity to contribute to this on Mission Sunday, 21st October.