Diocesan Solidarity

African seminarians make up 20% of the global total, and 15 million African children are enrolled in Catholic primary and secondary schools. At the same time, many dioceses have to turn away seminarians due to lack of space in seminaries, and there is a great desire among African Catholic students to learn more about their American peers. Such exchanges can help make the "other" truly "brother."

The number of priests in Africa has increased by 73 percent during the past 25 years, and more and more of these priests are engaging in "mission in reverse," coming to the West to help re-evangelize Europe and North America. Other African priests and sisters are sent to the U.S. for further study in theology, languages, business, or information technology. Consider inviting African missionaries into your diocesan parishes.

Inviting the local Church to gather to celebrate the spiritual gifts of their African brothers and sisters - both those in their neighborhoods and those living a continent away.

A Ugandan proverb captures the importance of solidarity trips in stating that "you cannot hear the mouth crying unless you hear the mouth eating." Africans are some of the most hospitable people in the world and eagerly anticipate any guest. Those who have visited Africa before know how the experience can transform one's worldview - there is no substitute for seeing Africa and her peoples with one's own eyes.

The Church in Africa nearly tripled during the papacy of John Paul II, growing from 55 million to 144 million members; the Catholic population makes up about 17% of the African total and is growing at an annual rate of 8%. The Pastoral Solidarity Fund has been established to address the burgeoning needs of this vibrant Catholic population, but it depends on the generosity of the American Catholic population. The Subcommittee assures you that your contributions will be effectively used. The Committee is building relationships and capacity before distributing grants and has developed clear criteria for grants in the following pastoral areas: catechetical programs, seminaries/ seminarians, continuing education of clergy, communications/mass media, and Catholic education and schools. Pastoral Solidarity Fund: Background

The statistics are sobering: 70% of Africans live on less than $2 per day; more than 40% live on half of that total. Nearly 30 million Africans are living with HIV/AIDS, and the pandemic has produced 12 million additional orphans. More than 40 million children-about half of the sub-Saharan total-are not receiving even a primary education, and 20% of Africans live in countries severely disrupted by conflict. Since U.S. and international policy can have a positive or detrimental impact on this painful reality, it is vital for American Catholics to remain critically engaged with their government's policies towards Africa. Please note recent USCCB advocacy statements on issues impacting Africa.