Propagation of the Faith

For Communication Advisories, please visit the World Missions site

Reverend Paul Gitau
Director, Propagation of the Faith

Jodie Hickey
Administrative Assistant

Propagation of the Faith Office:
783 Hard Rd.
Webster, NY 14580
585-671-2110

Mission Statement

We believe that our mandate to bring the “good news” to all people constitutes the essential mission of the church.

“Go therefore making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20

In light of Christ’s mandate, the Diocesan Mission Office supports missionaries and their work of proclaiming and witnessing to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in developing countries, especially those missionaries from the Diocese of Rochester. The Mission Office works to include the local Church in missionary activity by mission education and inviting the ministries of the diocese to both contribute to and learn from the missions. It also encourages area parishes to form parish to parish relationships, which unite the people of God from different nations.

The Mission Office motivates the Church of Rochester to support the worldwide work of the Missionary Church through prayer, works of justice, and financial offerings. Material support is provided through various diocesan appeals.

Donations and Gifts

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith accepts monetary gifts in the form of general donations, special donations to the Missionary Childhood Association, St. Peter the Apostle Native Clergy, bequests from wills, Mass stipends, and other miscellaneous donations for the work of the missions.

Special Collections

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith directs two annual collections. The Diocesan Mission Sunday collection is held in the Spring (third Sunday in May), which specifically supports the Mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brazil and the Mission of the Sisters of Mercy in Chile. The World Mission Sunday collection is held in the Fall (second from the last Sunday in October).

Mission Cooperation Plan

The Office coordinates the Mission Cooperation Plan whereby visiting missionaries are permitted to speak in one or more parishes in the diocese during July and August. Missions sending personnel apply to the office requesting a place in the plan and assignments are made in February. Typically the group consists of missionaries from American and Foreign Dioceses, Religious Orders of Men and Women, and special organizations of both religious and lay people.