National Collections

"As faithful disciples and imitators of Christ, you are urged to go against the current, choosing the evangelical option of serving the brethren…above all, because you are impelled by the unceasing power of divine charity."

— Pope John Paul II (2001)

Each parish is part of the Church Universal; it is the Catholic Church in a particular place. The bishops of the United States created the national collections so that, by combining resources, we can more effectively carry out our mission as Catholics. Each of these important collections is worthy of your support. Each collection represents our community of faith at work in the world, saving souls and improving lives.

The bishops encourage us to view the national collections in the light of stewardship and of sharing. God has given us our light and our prosperity, all we need and more. It is right and just that we give something back through these collections, helping people in our own country and around the world to live better and to grow in the love of Jesus.

Guidelines

This document, approved in November 2011 and addressed to bishops and to diocesan and parish personnel, provides guidance and explanation about the nature and meaning of the national collections and direction on how they should be best administered.

2013/2014 National Collection Schedule

• 2013/2014 National Collections Schedule

One Church. One Mission. Real Lives.

The Peter's Pence Collection gives each of us the opportunity to be a pilgrim of charity around the world. Our gifts to this annual Collection help the Holy Father strengthen dioceses, religious orders, and struggling communities of faith. 

There are many places around the globe where the Church struggles to be a visible sign of charity, but thankfully, the Holy Father is the pilgrim of charity for Catholics everywhere. In regions where Catholics are persecuted for their faith and in nations overloaded with refugees and victims of war and natural disasters, the works done by the Holy Father help the Church extend charity to those most in need.

In most dioceses, the Collection will occur the weekend of June 29-30, 2013, although your (arch)diocese may schedule it at a different time. Materials to promote the Collection are available on our website. There you will find ads, web banners, and other useful information. Please use these materials to increase awareness of our Holy Father's work.

For more information, please contact the National Collections staff at 202-541-3346 or ncpromo@usccb.org. We truly appreciate your support of the Peter's Pence Collection.