This purpose is achieved primarily through the works of:

1. The Pontifical Mission Societies, which include:

a. The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
It’s main thrust is the celebration of World Mission Sunday by inviting Catholics to recommit themselves to the Church’s missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice. For this purpose, information is mailed throughout the diocese.

b. Holy Childhood Association
HCA fosters children’s awareness of the missionary nature of the Church by offering educational and fund-raising material for children from Kindergarten to 8th grade through Catholic schools and religious education classes in parishes.

2. Catholic Relief Services
International arm of the Catholic Church in the U.S. founded by the American Bishops, CRS works in more than 90 countries supporting self-help projects in the areas of agriculture, education, health and small enterprise development that involve people and communities in their own development. In the U.S. CRS offers educational and fund-raising material, such as Operation Rice Bowl, Food Fast, Work of Human Hands. 25% of the proceeds collected through Operation Rice Bowl remain in our diocese to be used to advance local initiatives.

3. Missionary Cooperative Plan
Missionaries from around the world are invited to visit our parishes for mission appeals once a year.

4. Other Activities:

a. Provides support and promotes the missionary efforts of our archdiocesan missionary priest working in Guatemala.

b. Collaborates with the Honduras Initiative Committee. The Honduras Initiative, created by the Bishops of Texas in 1999, is a commitment that has paired our Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the Diocese of Laredo with the Diocese of Comayagua, Honduras in an exchange of pastoral, humanitarian and financial support.

c. Provides information regarding mission opportunities for lay people interested in participating in short and long- term mission experiences.

d. Collaborates with the Archdiocesan Mission Council and other Archdiocesan departments in order to further promote the missionary charism of the Church within our Archdiocese.