Missionary calls home on holidays, birthdays and special days
Missionaries can call home every week on P-day, and they’re encouraged to reach out on special days too. Here’s what the Church’s Missionary Standards say, and how to plan the call.
More
Christmas 2026: Planning the Christmas call and a package? See the Christmas package guide for USPS mail-by dates and customs fees, and Light the World for ideas to share on the call.
What changed
Calls used to be twice a year. Now they can be every week.
- Before: phone or video calls only on Christmas and Mother’s Day (Church News).
- Since February 2019: letters, email, texts, messaging, calls or video chat on P-day each week (Newsroom).
- Not every week by rule: a weekly call isn’t expected. Your missionary picks what works.
Every other week too: Weekly call tips →
The special days
On top of P-day, missionaries are encouraged to reach out on special days.
- Thanksgiving Thursday
- Christmas Friday
- Mother’s Day Sunday, 2027
- Father’s Day Sunday, 2027
- Any day Birthdays Parents and siblings
Thanksgiving counts as a home-country holiday. Your missionary’s own birthday isn’t on the list, so plan on their P-day.
If the day isn’t P-day, missionaries check with their mission president first (Missionary Standards 3.9.2). They’ll tell you the time.
Who calls who
Your missionary calls you. Then you talk.
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They start itMissionaries start every text, chat, call and video chat.
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Parents in two homes?Your missionary may call each parent separately.
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Need to reach them?Contact the mission president first. In an emergency, mission leaders will contact your family.
How the call happens
On P-day, your missionary can reach you any of these ways. They pick one that costs little.
- Phone call
- Video chat
- Texts and messaging
- Email and letters
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Which app?It’s whatever is approved for their mission. Your missionary will tell you. Install it and sign in before the day.
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Where they connectOn Wi-Fi the mission president approves, or a public computer, like at a library.
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How long?There’s no set time. Missionaries keep it reasonable, with their companion in mind.
More on letters, email and texts: Staying in touch →
Plan the call
A few simple steps so the call actually happens.
- Step 1Ask early Email a week or two ahead. Missionaries can read messages during the week and reply on P-day.
- Step 2Sort out time zones Write the time down in their zone and yours. A world clock on your phone helps.
- Step 3Use what they use They choose a low-cost app or method. Have it installed and signed in before the day.
- Step 4 Be ready, then wait Gather the family and keep your phone close. They’ll call you.
Planning a gift too? Christmas package dates → · Mailing deadlines by country →
Questions
Tap to open · 10 common questions
Can missionaries call home on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving isn’t on the Missionary Standards list, but missionaries are encouraged to contact family on holidays that are significant in their home country or culture. Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Your missionary will set the day and time.
Can missionaries call home on Christmas?
Yes. Christmas is on the Missionary Standards list of special days when missionaries are encouraged to contact their family.
Can my missionary call on my birthday?
Parents’ and siblings’ birthdays are on the Missionary Standards list of special days. The missionary’s own birthday isn’t listed, but they can call on any weekly P-day.
Can missionaries call home on their own birthday?
A missionary’s own birthday isn’t named in the Missionary Standards list of special occasions, so plan on their weekly P-day. Parents’ and siblings’ birthdays are named.
How often can missionaries call home?
Every week on preparation day, by phone, video chat, text, messaging, email or letter. They’re also encouraged to contact family on special occasions like Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Is it still only Christmas and Mother’s Day?
No. Since February 2019, missionaries may call, text or video chat with family every week on P-day, and they are also encouraged to reach out on special occasions.
Which app will my missionary use for video calls?
It depends on what’s approved for your missionary’s mission. Missionaries may text, message, call or video chat on P-day using a low-cost approved method. Your missionary will tell you which app to use.
Can I call my missionary?
Missionaries start all calls, video chats and texts. If your family needs to reach your missionary, contact the mission president first.
How long should missionary calls home be?
Missionary Standards doesn’t set a length. It asks missionaries to be wise about how long they talk, considerate of their companion, and mindful of the purpose of their service.
Do missionaries celebrate Thanksgiving on a mission?
It’s a normal day in most countries, but mission presidents can adjust schedules for holidays. See our daily life guide.
Sources and fine print
Tap to open · 5 official pages + fine print
- Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ, 3.9 “Communication with Family, Mission Leaders, and Friends” (official)
- Church Newsroom: Missionaries Now Have More Options to Communicate With Families ()
- Church News: missionaries can now call, text home weekly ()
- Missionary Standards supplement (2026), 7.5 “Technology” (official)
- Provo MTC On-Site Training FAQ (official, )
Fine print
- Missionary Standards doesn’t set a call length. It asks missionaries to be wise about it and considerate of their companion.
- Missionaries choose a cost-effective way to talk so they stay within their monthly budget.
- Friends and others write by email or letter. Phone or video with them needs the mission president’s approval.
- At the MTC, missionaries may also contact family on their weekly P-day and other special occasions (Provo MTC FAQ).
- Training over Christmas at the Provo MTC can run a week longer because of a travel “blackout” week.
- Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November in the U.S. Holiday dates in other countries differ.
. Official pages, your call packet and the Missionary Portal are always the final word. GotMyCall is unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After they leave: While your missionary serves →