On Sunday 21 September 2025, parishes across England and Wales will join together to celebrate Evangelii Gaudium Sunday. Formerly known as Home Mission Sunday, this day takes its name from Pope Francis’ first Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), which calls us to be people of joy, sharing our faith with confidence and hope.
This year’s theme, “I believe…”, links directly to the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the great gathering of bishops where the Creed we say at Mass each week began to take shape. Every time we say “I believe…”, we echo those bishops and generations of Christians who have handed on the faith before us. It is this faith that we are called to share joyfully with the world today.
Abbot Hugh Allan O’Praem, Mission Director for the Bishops’ Conference, reminds us that saying “I believe” is not only personal but also communal:
“When we say, ‘I believe,’ we also say, ‘I belong.’ It is the heart of being part of the Church. Our belief is never just for ourselves – it connects us to God and to one another.”
Evangelii Gaudium Sunday is also a practical moment of support. A second collection will be taken in all parishes, helping the Mission Directorate of the Bishops’ Conference continue its vital work in evangelisation, catechesis, scripture formation, vocations, and Christian unity.
How can we take part?
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Pray for the courage to live and share your faith with joy.
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Reflect on the words of the Creed we proclaim each week.
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Support the second collection generously to help the Church’s mission here in England and Wales.
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Reach out to someone in your community who may be searching for faith, comfort, or a sense of belonging.
