We celebrate 'Home Mission Sunday' each year on the Third Sunday in September. We proclaim the unique message of the Gospel that brings joy to all people who receive it with an open heart.
20 September 2026
Those with long memories will be familiar with Home Mission Sunday. It is the title given to the day we ask our parishes to pray for the work of evangelisation and to support this vital work through a second collection. A few years ago, this day was re-named Evangelii Gaudium Sunday after Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation the ‘Joy of the Gospel’. Now, in 2026, we revert to using the original name – Home Mission Sunday.
On Home Mission Sunday, the bishops of England and Wales ask the faithful of our countries to look for ways in which we can all do our part in sharing the beauty and joy of knowing Jesus Christ.
When we speak of ‘Home Mission’ we are not neglecting our sisters and brothers around the world (World Mission Sunday gives due attention to this important work), but we recognise that we are called to witness to Christ in our homes, at work, in our friendships and in every aspect of our daily life.
Being part of the family of God means we should feel ‘at home’ but this also challenges us to be missionary disciples in England and Wales so that we can make a home for all who hunger and thirst for the God who loves them and wants them to come home to him.
In this section, you will find resources to help you celebrate the day. Our main reflection comes from Abbot Hugh Allen O.Praem, Director of Mission for the Bishops’ Conference.
If you feel you are able, you can make a secure online donation to support the work of the Bishops’ Conference Mission Directorate. Please hold this important work in your prayers.
The work of encounter and evangelisation is promoted through the Directorate for Mission. Through this directorate, the vision of the Holy Father is embraced in a fuller way and promotes the whole ideal of proclamation, evangelisation, dialogue and catechesis.
Our Mission Director, Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem, offers a reflection for Home Mission Sunday 2026.
Fleur Dorrell, Biblical Apostolate Manager and Faith and Formation Manager, reflects on technology and it's ethical challenges to human dignity.
Helen Townsend, National Coordinator for Catholic Chaplains in Higher Education, offers a reflection on Catholic Chaplaincy in Higher Education and the guidance it offers the future of the Church.
We have a series of suggested bidding prayers and intercessions that can be used in parishes on Home Mission Sunday.
Home Mission Sunday offers the Catholic community in England and Wales the opportunity to celebrate the beauty of our faith and our commitment to witness to the fullness of life in Christ. You can make a secure donation to support our work of evangelisation here.
Evangelii Gaudium Sunday 2025 was celebrated on 21 September 2025 with the Theme: “I believe…”
