Weekly letters from your missionary
When they write, what to write back and how mail reaches them, from Missionary Standards chapter 3.
Short answer
Missionaries write home on P-day, once a week. They start any calls, texts or video chats.
At a glance
- When: missionaries write home on their weekly P-day.
- Other days: they may read messages, but reply on P-day unless it’s urgent.
- Mission president: they also write him a weekly letter.
- Friends: email or letters. Calls and video need approval.
- Paper mail: can go to the mission office.
Details differ by mission. Your call packet and the Missionary Portal are the final word.
What to write back
- Remind them of their purpose and who they are.
- Ask about the people they teach and what strengthened them.
- Share a time the Lord helped you this week.
- Share a scripture insight or a temple trip.
- Keep TV and sports news short.
Ideas from Church Magazines.
The weekly rhythm
- P-day: letters, email, messages and calls with family.
- Other days: read messages if needed, but wait to reply.
- Emergencies: contact goes through the mission president or mission office. Who to contact →
- Special days, like birthdays and holidays, can add a call.
- Missionaries start all calls, texts and video chats. To reach them, families contact the mission president.
Their letter to the mission president
Each week missionaries also write their mission president through the Missionary Portal. It’s for him, not for families.
Paper letters and saving them
The mission office address may be used for letters and packages. Confirm it in your call packet.
Want to keep every letter? Save them as you go.
Questions
When do missionaries write home?
On their weekly preparation day (P-day). They may read messages on other days, but reply on P-day unless there’s an emergency.
Can I email my missionary every day?
You can send messages any time. Missionaries may read them, but they write back on P-day.
Do missionaries write to the mission president?
Yes. Each week they write a letter to their mission president through the Missionary Portal.
What should I write to my missionary?
Church Magazines suggest asking about the people they teach, sharing how the Lord helped you, and keeping small talk short.
Can I call or text my missionary?
Missionaries start all calls, texts and video chats. If your family needs to reach them, contact the mission president first.
Can friends write to missionaries?
Yes, by email or letters. Phone or video calls with friends need the mission president’s approval.
Where do I send paper letters?
The mission office address may be used for mail and packages. Confirm the address in your call packet.
Sources
- Missionary Standards, ch. 3: Conduct
- Liahona: How to communicate support to your missionary
- Missionary Portal online tool
. Rules change, so 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.
More
Calls and video too? How families stay in touch →