The Pontifical Mission Societies have, as their primary purpose, the promotion of a universal missionary spirit – a spirit of prayer and sacrifice – among all baptized Catholics. The first three Societies, in carrying out that goal, invite baptized Catholics to express their missionary commitment by offering their prayers, personal sacrifices and financial support for the work of the Church in Mission Dioceses. The Missionary Union works to deepen mission awareness among the priests, men and women, religious, catechists, and educators so that they are fully prepared to take on the mission formation of the faithful.