Peter's Pence

"And with us too, don't we have to wash each other's feet day after day? But what does this mean? That all of us must help one another."

−Pope Francis, Homily for the Mass of the Lord's Supper, March 2013

In his address of March 20, 2013, Pope Francis spoke of our responsibility before the world and creation. "There is much that we can do to benefit the poor, the needy and those who suffer, and to favor justice, promote reconciliation and build peace," he said. The Peter's Pence Collection unites us in solidarity to the Holy See and its works of charity to those in need. Your generosity allows the Pope to respond to our suffering brothers and sisters.

The purpose of the Peter's Pence Collection is to provide the Holy Father with the financial means to respond to those who are suffering as a result of war, oppression, natural disaster, and disease.

The USCCB National Collections Committee oversees the Peter's Pence Collection. This Committee includes the following members: 

• Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, Chairman
• Cardinal Daniel DiNardo
  
• Cardinal Theodore McCarrick
• Bishop Peter F. Christensen
• Bishop Blaise J. Cupich
• Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo, M.Sp.S.
• Bishop Kevin J. Farrell
• Bishop Jaime Soto
• Bishop Joseph J. Tyson

The Peter's Pence Collection has raised nearly $190 million to support our suffering brothers and sisters around the globe. Thank you for standing in solidarity with the Holy See with your generosity. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in faith who are facing adversity.

The national collection date for the Peter's Pence Collection is the weekend of June 29-30, 2013. Your diocese may take up the Collection at a different time. Check with your diocese or call the USCCB Office of National Collections at 202-541-3346.

History
The Peter's Pence Collection derives its name from an ancient custom. In ninth-century England. King Alfred the Great collected money, a "pence," from landowners as financial support for the Pope. Today, the Peter's Pence Collection supports the Pope's philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression, and disease.

If your diocese takes up the Collection at another time, please remember that collection resources are always available.

Please give generously to the Peter's Pence Collection in your parish. Or you may wish to send your donation to:

Peter's Pence Collection
The Apostolic Nunciature
3339 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008