Catholic Missionary Society

The Catholic Missionary Society was founded by Cardinal Vaughan as the Westminster Missionaries. The central focus of the organisation was the conversion of non-Catholics, rather than non-Christians. Although there is a secondary note of those who 'profess no religion', the Church of England and in particular the 'High Church' party were the main targets. The other element which increasingly came to the fore in the practice of Parish Missions and Retreats by the CMS was reaching the 'lapsed'. The mission was seen as a chance to visit those whose practice of the faith (most obviously their attendance at mass and confession) were less than they had been. Often these were called 'Missions to Catholics and non-Catholics' indicating that their purpose was to deepen and renew the faith of Catholics, to bring back those whose faith was becoming inactive and to reach out to those who were members, if not necessarily active members, of other Christian Churches.

The CMS ceased service in 2003, with its work being continued by the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation. Its assets were transferred to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.