• Majority Believe There Will Be More Poor Americans Four Years From Now (05-006)
  January, 2005
  Six in ten (62%) Americans feel there will be more people living in poverty four years from now. Despite signs of an economic recovery, 90 percent of Americans are concerned about poverty in the United States, according to the national "Poverty Pulse" public opinion poll sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and released January 11 at a press conference in Los Angeles. An increase in crime is the most likely outcome of greater poverty, according to 20 % of the general public, while only 4% felt that it would not have any impact on the country. Despite the fact that the subject of poverty was missing from last fall's political debate, virtually all respondents (97%) felt it was an important issue to address.
• January Is "Poverty In America Awareness Month" (05-002)
  January 4, 2005
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) this month launched a new national awareness campaign that focuses attention on the nearly 36 million poor Americans—and even more attention on the poor and low-income people who are trying to do something about it. Timed to coincide with the beginning of Poverty in America Awareness Month, the new CCHD-sponsored campaign uses television, radio, and print ads to attract attention to the 35.9 million Americans who now live in poverty, according to the most recent U.S. Census figures. The nation's poverty rate rose from 12.1 percent in 2002 to 12.4 percent in 2003, representing an increase of 1.3 million poor.
• Father Robert J. Vitillo Will Leave Catholic Campaign for Human Development For New Post With Caritas Internationalis (04-246)
  December 16, 2004
  Father Robert J. Vitillo, for the past eight years Executive Director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will leave CCHD for a new post with Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based global confederation of national Catholic social service and development organizations that operate in some 200 countries.
• California Defender of the Rights of Low-Income Laborers Receives National Award for Leadership in Social Justice (04-223)
  November 10, 2004
  Donald De Leon, who has challenged labor practices in California that exploit workers and immigrants and degrade human dignity, is the 2004 recipient of the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. The annual award, presented since 1998, honors young Catholics who demonstrate leadership in fighting poverty and injustice in the United States.
• Proposed Changes In Community Development Regulations Would Hurt Low Income, Rural Communities, Says USCCB Official (04-182)
  September 22, 2004
  John Carr, The U.S. Bishops' Secretary for Social Development and World Peace, has urged the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to abandon proposed community development regulations that would hurt people in low income and rural communities.
• Catholic Campaign For Human Development Awards $9 Million To Fight Poverty; Grants Support Community Projects To Fight Poverty (04-178)
  September 20, 2004
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) today announced the distribution of nearly $9 million to support local projects that work to break the cycle of poverty in the United States. CCHD, the anti-poverty initiative of the Catholic Bishops of the United State, is one of the largest private funders of anti-poverty programs controlled by the poor. Over the years, CCHD has offered $270 million to more than 4,000 projects designed to attack the root causes of poverty.
• Catholic Parishes Asked To Assist Florida Hurricane Victims, Support Catholic Charities USA Hurricane Charley Relief Fund (04-165)
  August 26, 2004
  Catholic parishes nationwide have been asked to participate in a national collection to assist Florida hurricane victims.
• Bishops' Head Urges Consideration of Human Consequences, Moral Dimensions of Budget Choices (04-076)
  April 26, 2004
  In a letter to House and Senate Budget conferees, the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop urged special consideration to the human consequences and moral dimensions of budgetary choices, "since those decisions help or hurt people, strengthen or weaken family life, and advance or jeopardize the future of our nation."
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Names Winners in Fourth Annual Multi-Media Youth Arts Contest (04-072)
  April 23, 2004
  Three students from St. Mary's School in Frankenstein, Missouri, in the Diocese of Jefferson City, have won the grand prize in the 2003-2004 Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Multi-Media Youth Arts contest. CCHD is the national anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Honors Mercy Sister For Supporting Empowerment of Low-Income Latinas (04-028)
  February 19, 2004
  Sr. Petra Chavez, RSM, will receive the Year 2004 Sister Margaret Cafferty Development of People Award for her efforts to empower low-income immigrant women through access to computer training. The national award is given annually by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, and will be presented here February 22.
• National "Poverty Pulse" Survey Results Provide Snapshot of Attitudes about U.S. Poverty (04-008)
  January 12, 2004
  More than half of all American adults are concerned they will be poor at some point in their life. Despite signs of an economic recovery, 56% of Americans are more concerned about becoming poor someday than they were a year ago, according to the national "Poverty Pulse" survey sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and released January 12 at a press conference in New Orleans.
• January Is Poverty in America Awareness Month: 2004 Campaign Appeals To the American Spirit of Justice For All (04-003)
  January 5, 2004
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) this month launched a new national awareness campaign that emphasizes the growing number of poor Americans, according to the most recent U.S. Census figures, and urges Americans to respond with a patriotic sense of justice to the plight of poor and low-income people.
• Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act Supported by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (03-225)
  November 19, 2003
  Speaking for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Cardinal Theodore McCarrick expressed support for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2003. He said the legislation would be a good start towards ensuring that mentally ill offenders receive the treatment they need.
• College Student Connects Catholic Faith With Justice, Works To Change The System So Others Can Prosper (03-218)
  November 11, 2003
  A college freshman who helped change Illinois law so that undocumented teens can qualify for in-state college tuition rates is the 2003 recipient of the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. The Award honors young Catholics who take strong leadership roles in fighting poverty and injustice. Eight other young Catholics were finalists for the Award.
• Bishops' Approve Statement On Agricultural Issues (03-219)
  November 12, 2003
  Today the United States bishops overwhelmingly approved a statement raising concerns about the ethical dimensions of agriculture and trade policy.
• Bishops' Conference Chairmen Support Farm Worker Proposal (03-214)
  November 7, 2003
  Federal legislation that would grant important legal protections to many undocumented migrant farm workers is an improvement over their "current deplorable situation," according to chairmen of two United States Conference of Catholic Bishops committees who offered their support for the pending bill.
• Bishops To Vote On Revised Church Investment Guidelines (03-215)
  November 7, 2003
  The U.S. bishops will vote to revise their guidelines governing investments of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at their annual November meeting in Washington, Nov. 10-13.
• Bishops' Agenda to Include Reflections on Agricultural Issues (03-211)
  November 5, 2003
  U.S. bishops will consider passage of "'For I was hungry and you gave me food' (Mt. 25:35): Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers, and Farmworkers" at the semi-annual meeting here of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops next week. The pastoral document and overview of the Church's social teachings on food and agriculture also contains a suggested "Catholic agenda for action."
• Bishops Call Catholics To "Faithful Citizenship" Outline Questions, Challenges For 2004 Elections (03-193)
  October 14, 2003
  In an appeal to Catholics to practice "faithful citizenship" in the coming election year, the U.S. Bishops have called for "a new kind of politics—focused on moral principles not on the latest polls, on the needs of the poor and vulnerable not the contributions of the rich and powerful, and on the pursuit of the common good not the demands of special interests."
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Awards Nearly $9 Million to Fight Poverty: Grants Support Community Projects (03-184)
  September 16, 2003
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) today announced the distribution of $8.75 million to support local projects that work to eliminate the root causes of poverty in the United States.
• Labor Day 2003: Recomitting to Justice For Farm Workers (03-170)
  August 22, 2003
  Despite the diminished attention given to the plight of farm workers in recent years, they "still have a claim on our conscience," according to the chairman of the bishops' domestic policy committee in his annual Labor Day statement.
• News Advisory: National Bicycle Tour Promoting Awareness of US Poverty Concludes in Washington on August 1 (03-153)
  July 23, 2003
  Press Conference welcomes cross-country team of cyclists as they pedal into their final destination in Washington. Named Brake the Cycle, the bike tour group traveled nearly 4,000 miles from San Francisco to Washington to raise awareness and educate about U.S. poverty causes and permanent solutions.
• Pope Appoints Bishop Wenski Coadjutor Bishop of Orlando (03-135)
  June 30, 2003
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami as Coadjutor Bishop of Orlando.
• Bishops Disappointed In Tax Bill; Urge Action To Help Poor, Middle Income Families (03-114)
  June 3, 2003
  The U.S. Bishops expressed disappointment in the newly signed tax bill which does not benefit low income families with children.
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Names Winners in Third Annual Multi-Media Youth Arts Contest (03-094)
  April 29, 2003
  A high school senior from St. Benedict the Abbot parish in McMurray, Pennsylvania, in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, has won the grand prize in the 2002-2003 Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Multi-Media Youth Arts contest. CCHD is the national anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• CCHD Unveils Route For Brake The Cycle Of Poverty Bike Tour Across U.S. (03-081)
  April 8, 2003
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) today finalized the route it will follow on its summer 2003 bike tour across America.
• Catholics to Cycle Across U.S. to Promote Permanent Solutions to Poverty (03-049)
  March 5, 2003
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) announced today that it is sponsoring a bike ride across America to focus public attention on poverty in the United States and on the need to promote permanent solutions toward breaking the cycle of poverty.
• Public Misperception about Poverty Continues (03-002)
  January 7, 2003
  Most Americans believe that between 1 and 5 million people live in poverty in the United States when the actual number is nearly 33 million, according to results of the national "Poverty Pulse" survey released today by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).
• Bishops to Discuss Calling First 'Plenary Council' Since 1884 (02-225)
  November 6, 2002
  At their semi-annual meeting next week, the nation's Catholic bishops will be briefed on a proposal to convene the first plenary council in more than a century.
• Catholic Campaign For Human Development Awards $10.2 Million to Fight Poverty: Funds Support 339 Projects That Create Jobs and Build Stronger Communities (02-191)
  October 2, 2002
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the anti-poverty initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, announced the distribution of $10.2 million to support projects aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty in the United States.
• USCCB Official Hails Ruling That Unborn Children Are Eligible for Health Coverage (02-187)
  September 27, 2002
  The General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops hailed the final rule issued today by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that unborn children are eligible for health coverage. The rule recognizes the unborn child as a "child" within the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
• Poor Americans Speak Out About Poverty, National Poll Reveals What It Means to be Poor in the United States (02-169)
  September 3, 2002
  " The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) today released the results of its latest "Poverty Pulse" Survey " this one providing a unique glimpse into the attitudes of poor Americans about the state of poverty in this country.
• Catholic Bishops Oppose Placing All INS Functions Into New Homeland Security Department (02-123)
  June 26, 2002
  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) today warned that a proposal pending in Congress to transfer the entirety of the Immigration and Naturalization Service's (INS) immigration functions into a new Department of Homeland Security "could do grievous harm to immigration enforcement, immigration services, and even to immigration and immigrants, themselves."
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Wins National Silver Anvil for Poverty Awareness Campaign (02-120)
  June 24, 2002
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has won a national Silver Anvil Award, the most prestigious award in the public relations industry, for its "Poverty, USA" public service campaign. The award was presented June 6 at a ceremony held at the Equitable Tower in New York City. Crosby Marketing Communications in Annapolis, Md., created the campaign.
• Spokeswoman Applauds Guidelines Expanding Health Insurance to Unborn Children (02-021)
  January 31, 2002
  The spokeswoman for the Catholic Bishops' Pro-Life Secretariat hailed the announcement today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that states will be allowed to provide health care insurance to low-income pregnant women for their unborn children under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
• National Poverty Pulse Poll Indicates Many People Are More Likely to Help Those in Poverty than Ever Before (02-012)
  January 11, 2002
  Almost half of the nation's residents are more likely than ever before to help people living in poverty, according to a national poll released by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).
• Terrorism Response Noted in Annual Stand Against Violence (02-006)
  January 3, 2002
  Response to terrorism is a key theme of Stand Against Violence, the Catholic Church's annual January 15-22 anti-violence campaign.
• January Is Poverty in America Awareness Month: New Media Campaign Spotlights 12 Million Poor Children in U.S. (02-003)
  January 2, 2002
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) today launched a new national awareness campaign emphasizing the tragic reality that one out of every six children in the United States lives in poverty, according to the most recent U.S. census figures.
• Jornada mundial de la vida consagrada fijada para el 2 y 3 de febrero (02-002)
  January 2, 2002
  La celebración anual de la Jornada Mundial de la Vida Consagrada de 2002 tendrá lugar en todas las diócesis de la nación durante fin de semana del 2 al 3 de febrero.
• Catholic Bishops Announce First Cash Grants in $1.5 Million Program to Improve Criminal Justice Systems (01-203)
  November 21, 2001
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) announced the award of $500,500 in grants to support criminal justice reform and education programs in the United States. The grants, which are part of a $1.5 million initiative, will help fund 18 projects in 10 states and the District of Columbia.
• Efforts Against Terrorism Require Resolve, Restraint, Long-term on Justice and Peace, Bishops Declare (01-200)
  November 15, 2001
  Resolve, restraint and a long-term focus on broader issues of justice and peace must mark the international campaign against terrorism, according to a broad pastoral message approved today by the nation's Catholic bishops.
• Americans Pull Together in Times of Struggle: CCHD Featured in Hallmark Channel Documentary (01-178)
  October 17, 2001
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is featured in an hour-long documentary, Among the People: Facing Poverty in America.
• Ad Council Endorses CCHD's 'Poverty USA' Campaign, National PSA Campaign is One of a Select Few Approved for 2001 (01-140)
  August 3, 2001
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) announced today (August 3) that its "Poverty, USA" public service advertising campaign has been officially endorsed by the Ad Council.
• Statements on Immigration, on the Criminal Justice System, on Church Art and Architecture, on Catholic Bishops' Fall Agenda (00-261)
  October 26, 2000
  A pastoral statement, "Unity in Diversity: Welcoming the Immigrant Church in the U.S.
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Announces 2000 Appeal; Final Tally for 1999 Reaches Record High of $15 Million (00-260)
  October 26, 2000
  This year, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development celebrates "Thirty Years of Helping People Help Themselves.
• Catholic Communication Campaign Announces Proclaim Award Winners (00-256)
  October 20, 2000
  The Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) of the U. S. Catholic Conference announced winners of its 2000 Proclaim Awards honoring excellence in diocesan communications, at the Unda-USA annual assembly.
• Cardinal Mahony Death Penalty Speech Calls for "Moral Revolution" (00-126)
  May 24, 2000
  In a speech at the National Press Club today, Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony said abolition of the death penalty is an authentically pro-life position, and called for a "moral revolution" to address the problems which lead to violent crime.
• Committee Chairman Opposes Low Power Radio Legislation (00-072)
  March 29, 2000
  The Chairman of the U.S. Catholic Conference Communications Committee today urged a House committee to oppose legislation that would block low power FM, saying the new non-commercial stations will provide an important alternative to for-profit broadcast conglomerates.
• Extension, CCHD, Youth Foundation Donate to Encuentro 2000 (00-070)
  March 29, 2000
  The Catholic Church Extension Society of the United States of America, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and the National Foundation for Catholic Youth have donated up to $105,000 to Encuentro 2000: Many Faces in God's House.
• F.C.C. Must Apply 'Public Interest Obligations' to Digital Television Broadcasters (00-067)
  March 27, 2000
  Citing numerous examples of television stations choosing to broadcast revenue generating programs over local religious and educational programs, the U.S. Catholic Conference today urged the Federal Communications Commission to re-impose "public interest obligations" on broadcasters as they make the transition to digital transmissions.
• United States Must Make Commitments for Debt Relief (00-046)
  March 9, 2000
  Progress toward significant debt relief for some of the world's poorest countries will falter without further U.S. support for a recently expanded and improved initiative, the chairman of the Bishops' International Policy Committee said in a letter to congressional leaders released today.
• Religious Sister Honored for Work with Florida's Migrant Farm Workers, Stressing Stability, Education and Citizenship (00-037)
  February 25, 2000
  A Dominican Sister of 31 years, born in Bolivia and educated in the United States, will receive the Year 2000 Sister Margaret Cafferty Development of People Award for her work since 1983 with migrant farm workers in Florida. The award is presented annually by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, and will be presented in Washington, D.C.
• Bishop Fiorenza Urges President To Propose A Suspension of All Federal Executions (00-025)
  February 10, 2000
  The President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference has urged President Clinton to propose a suspension of all federal executions.
• Bishop Leibrecht Says Cchd Founders Were 'Visionaries'; Diocesan Directors Celebrate 30 Years of Domestic Anti-poverty Program (00-010)
  January 10, 2000
  Bishop John J. Leibrecht said the Bishops who founded the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) more than 30 years ago were "visionaries" whose dream to provide funds to help the poor help themselves has transformed many locales in the past three decades.
• Dialogue Produces "Principles and Practices for a Fair and Just Workplace in Catholic Health Care" (99-200)
  August 26, 1999
  "Catholic health care is a gift of the Church and a service to society" said a working paper developed by representatives of the Catholic bishops' Conference, Catholic health care, women religious and the labor movement.
• Annual Labor Day Statement: Organized Labor Promotes Economic Justice (99-192)
  August 17, 1999
  Organized labor has made significant contributions to social justice in the United States over the last century, and the nation continues to need a strong labor movement, said Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles in the Bishops' annual Labor Day statement.
• U.S. Bishops Send Donation to Help Rebuild Burned Synagogues (99-172)
  July 15, 1999
  The Catholic Bishops of the United States have contributed $25,000 to help rebuild three Sacramento synagogues severely damaged by firebomb attacks in mid-June.
• Over 3,000 People Expected to Attend Jubilee Justice Meeting in Los Angeles (99-168)
  July 12, 1999
  The church in the United States will mark a milestone in its history in mid-July as over 3,000 people join together at "Open the Doors to Christ: A National Catholic Gathering for Jubilee Justice," July 15-18, in Los Angeles at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Honors Two Lifelong Social Justice Advocates (99-158)
  July 1, 1999
  Sister Charlotte Madigan, CSJ, and Father Ed Flahavan, social justice advocates whose initiatives with low-income people in Minneapolis-St. Paul have gained national recognition, have been named recipients of the annual Sister Margaret Cafferty Development of People Award by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic bishops.
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Forgives Debt of Baltimore Community Group (99-109)
  May 13, 1999
  South Baltimore is a long way from ancient Israel. But for both areas, the forgiveness of debts allowed a community to flourish.
• U.S. Catholic Resettlement Network Prepares for Kosovar Refugee Arrivals (99-100)
  April 30, 1999
   U.S. Catholic Conference/Migration and Refugee Services, the largest private refugee resettlement agency in the United States, will be prepared for the arrival of 20,000 Kosovar refugees in coming weeks, according to the chairman of the Bishops' Migration Committee.
• Debt Relief Plans Should Include Poverty Alleviation Component (99-091)
  April 23, 1999
  Poverty alleviation should be a goal of efforts to relieve the debt burdens of the world's poorest countries, says the Administrative Board of the United States Catholic Conference in a major statement on the issue released today.
• 'Turn Away from Culture of Violence' Says Catholic Bishops' Domestic Policy Chair in Response to School Shootings (99-090)
  April 22, 1999
  American society "can turn away from a culture of violence—a culture of death—and towards life," said Los Angeles Archbishop, Cardinal Roger Mahony, chairman of the U.S. Catholic Bishops' Domestic Policy Committee.
• MRS Executive Director Welcomes Announcement of Kosovar Refugee Program (99-089)
  April 21, 1999
  Mark Franken, executive director of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC), the largest resettler of refugees in the United States, today welcomed the decision of the Clinton Administration to bring to the United States 20,000 Kosovar Albanian refugees from Macedonia for temporary protection.
• Kosovar Refugee Crisis Requires Immediate, Long-Term Strategies (99-079)
  April 7, 1999
  The Kosovar refugee crisis, the largest since the end of the Second World War, requires the United States and the international community to develop immediate and long-term strategies, said the Chairman of the Bishops' Migration Committee in a statement released today.
• Revised Moral Guidelines Approved for CCHD Funding (99-078)
  April 7, 1999
  The Administrative Board of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) has approved revised Moral Guidelines for Funding by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). The Board approved the guidelines at its meeting here, March 23.
• USCC Urges 'Extreme Hardship' Designation For Eligible Salvadorans and Guatemalans (99-014)
  January 26, 1999
  The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service should grant an "extreme hardship" classification for Salvadorans and Guatemalans eligible for relief from deportation rather than deciding their status on a case-by-case basis, according to comments filed with the INS by the U. S. Catholic Conference.
• Farmworker Organizer Named First Winner of CCHD's Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award (98-237)
  November 13, 1998
  Lucas Benitez, a 22-year-old farmworker organizer, is the first winner of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development's Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. The announcement was made today by CCHD Executive Director Rev. Robert J. Vitillo.
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Announces 1998 Appeal; Final Tally for 1997 Reaches Record High of $14 Million (98-232)
  November 6, 1998
  The theme of the 1998 Catholic Campaign for Human Development appeal is Helping People Help Themselves, according to Bishop Ricardo Ramírez, Chairman of the CCHD Committee of the United States Catholic Conference. The 1998 CCHD collection will take place November 21 and 22 in most dioceses.
• Congressional Action on Migration Issues Hailed (98-222)
  October 21, 1998
  Congressional action on behalf of Haitians and agricultural guest workers in the waning hours of this year's session won acclaim from the chairman of the Bishops' Migration Committee today.
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development Awards Record $8.5 Million for Anti-Poverty Projects (98-204)
  September 25, 1998
  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the Catholic Church's domestic anti-poverty program, has awarded a record $8.5 million in national grants for 1998 that will help low-income people create jobs, reform schools, improve conditions in the workplace, fight crime, and find affordable homes.
• Justice for Low Wage Workers Urged in Labor Day Statement (98-174)
  August 17, 1998
  Employers must protect low-wage workers, said Bishop William S. Skylstad, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Domestic Policy.
• Migration Chairman's Statement: Accept Immigrants Through Citizenship Process (98-101)
  May 11, 1998
  Proposals to tighten the citizenship process for immigrants should not make naturalization an unattainable goal, according to a statement by the Chairman of the Bishops' Committee on Migration, released today.
• CHD Announces Cardinal Bernardin 'New Leadership Award' to Recognize Catholic Young Adults (98-074)
  April 3, 1998
  The Campaign for Human Development (CHD), the Catholic Church's domestic anti-poverty program, has established a new national award named in honor of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin to recognize young Catholic leaders who demonstrate a commitment to putting the Church's social teaching into action.
• Leaders of U.S. Bishops Urge Justice for Strawberry Workers (98-072)
  March 31, 1998
  Leaders of the U.S. Bishops' Conference urged justice for strawberry workers in a statement released March 30.
• USCC General Counsel Urges 'Vigorous Federal Protection' For Religious Rights (98-069)
  March 27, 1998
  In Congressional testimony, the General Counsel of the United States Catholic Conference, Mark E. Chopko, urged "vigorous federal protection" for religious rights.
• 'Welcome and Care of Refugees' Is Theme of USCC Western Convening (98-050)
  March 3, 1998
  "In Service to Refugees: Enhancing the Welcome and Care" is the theme for the Western Region Convening sponsored by the United States Catholic Conference/Migration and Refugee Services (USCC/MRS).
• Florida, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas Church Groups Awarded Regional Environmental Grants (98-047)
  February 24, 1998
  Four Catholic church groups in Florida, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico and Texas have won grants of $6,000 each to address environmental issues in their area.
• Environmental Justice Grants Awarded in Nineteen Dioceses (98-044)
  February 24, 1998
  Environmental justice grants ranging from $750 to $1,530 have been awarded to groups in 19 dioceses.
• Campaign for Human Development Honors Grassroots Leader Who Works to Improve Living Conditions on Texas-Mexico Border (98-046)
  February 23, 1998
  Rocio Escobedo of Del Rio, Texas, a grassroots leader for improved living conditions in communities on the Texas-Mexico border, has been named recipient of the "Sister Margaret Cafferty Development of People" award, presented annually by the Campaign for Human Development (CHD), the U.S. Catholic bishops' domestic anti-poverty program.
• Bishops Call on Administration to Add More Money for Hungry Immigrants (97-252)
  November 12, 1997
  Two Roman Catholic Bishops today called for the Clinton Administration to remember the plight of hungry legal immigrants as it crafts its 1999 Federal Budget. Bishop John Cummins of Oakland, California, Chair of the Bishops' Migration and Refugee Services Committee, and Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, Washington, Chair of the Bishops' Domestic Policy Committee, issued a statement today during the annual meeting of the U.S. Bishops in Washington.
• Flawed Immigration Compromise Gives Unequal Relief To Central American War Refugees (97-245)
  November 4, 1997
  Proposed legislation affecting thousands of Central American immigrants is a step in the right direction but creates serious inequalities, according to the spokesman for the U.S. Catholic Bishops on immigration issues.
• Campaign for Human Development Awards $8 Million for Anti-Poverty Projects (97-219)
  October 10, 1997
  The Campaign for Human Development (CHD), the Catholic Church's domestic anti-poverty program, has awarded $8 million in national grants for 1997 to help groups of low-income people create jobs, fight crime, reform schools, improve conditions in the workplace, and find affordable homes.
• Interim Director of Migration And Refugee Services Named (97-201)
  September 16, 1997
  Mark Franken, who currently oversees refugee resettlement programs for the U.S. Catholic Conference, today was named the interim executive director of USCC's Migration and Refugee Services. He succeeds John Swenson, who leaves his post Friday, September 19.
• Cardinal, Mother Teresa Urge Extension of Visa Program for Religious Workers (97-196)
  September 12, 1997
  A visa program which allows foreign religious pastoral workers to enter the United States should be extended permanently, according to Cardinal Adam Maida, who today testified before the Senate Immigration Subcommittee.
• U.S. Bishops Welcome Pope's Strengthening Catechism Teaching Against Death Penalty (97-194)
  September 11, 1997
  The U.S. Bishops welcome Pope John Paul II's strengthening Church teaching against the death penalty in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
• Environmental Justice Office Seeks Proposals For 1998 Small Grants Program (97-185)
  September 2, 1997
  The U.S. Bishops' Environmental Justice Program (EJP) is seeking proposals for its environmental small grants project. The program will award one-year grants of $500 to $1,500 for new Catholic initiatives for the environment and/or environmental justice at the parish and diocesan level. Proposals must be postmarked no later than January 1, 1998. Grants will be awarded in late February.
• North Dakota, Northwest, Louisiana, Montana Dioceses Awarded Environmental Regional Grants from USCC (97-184)
  August 29, 1997
  Dioceses in North Dakota, Northwest United States, Louisiana and Montana were awarded environmental regional grants from the U.S. Catholic Conference Environmental Justice Program to begin projects in the Fall.
• Campaign for Human Development Awards $330,000 In Final Round of New Welfare Reform Initiative (97-180)
  August 26, 1997
  The Campaign for Human Development (CHD), the Catholic Church's domestic anti-poverty program, is distributing $330,000 in grants as part of its innovative welfare reform initiative.
• Economy Grows, Yet Workers Uneasy, Says Bishops' Labor Day Statement (97-174)
  August 19, 1997
  Workers are uneasy about their future, and the gap between rich and poor in the United States continues to grow, according to the U.S. Bishops' annual Labor Day statement.
• USCC Official Says Remedy Needed to Protect Religious Freedom (97-153)
  July 14, 1997
  The General Counsel of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) told the Subcommittee on the Constitution of the House Judiciary Committee that the USCC still advocates some legislative remedy to protect the religious freedom of all Americans.
• Catholic Bishops Call for Life, Not More Death, in Oklahoma Bombing (97-115)
  June 5, 1997
  The Chairman of the Domestic Policy Committee, United States Catholic Conference, released a statement saying: "We as bishops believe that to execute Mr. McVeigh could tragically perpetuate a terrible cycle of violence, further diminish respect for life and, perhaps most significantly, cannot truly ease the pain of those who have suffered so much loss."
• Bishop Urges Adherence to Budget Agreement, Rejection of Chairman's Proposal for Legal Immigrants (97-116)
  June 5, 1997
  A legislative proposal for implementing aspects of the landmark balanced budget agreement which affect elderly and needy legal immigrants fails to meet "minimally acceptable standards" and should be rejected, according to Bishop John S. Cummins of Oakland (CA).
• U.S. Bishops React to Sentencing of Timothy McVeigh (97-126)
  June 13, 1997
  On behalf of the U.S. Catholic Bishops' Conference, we wish to express our regret at the sentence of death for Mr. Timothy McVeigh. The crime for which he has been found guilty is a horrible and brutal tragedy. We cannot fathom the loss and grief of the survivors of those who died and who live with the consequences of his terrible crime. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them.
• U.S. Bishops Decry Supreme Court Decision on Religious Freedom Restoration Act (97-138)
  June 25, 1997
  The U.S. Bishops decried the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court declaring as unconstitutional the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. "The action of the Supreme Court to declare the Religious Freedom Restoration Act unconstitutional is deeply disappointing and potentially damaging to the rights and sensibilities of our religious citizens," said Mark Chopko, General Counsel of the U.S. Catholic Conference.
• Campaign for Human Development Awards $169,150 In First Round of Welfare Reform Initiative (97-110)
  May 23, 1997
  The Campaign for Human Development (CHD), the Catholic Church's domestic anti-poverty program, is distributing $169,150 in matching grants to low-income groups and coalitions working together to positively affect the implementation of federal welfare reform laws at the state and local level.
• 92-Year Old Immigrant Faces Homelessness Due to Welfare Law; Bishop Urges Corrective Legislation (97-091)
  April 25, 1997
  With less than 100 days remaining before the immigrant provisions of last year's welfare reform bill are fully implemented, the Chairman of the Bishops' Committee on Migration is urging that Congress pass legislation "to ameliorate the severe hardship that this law will impose on our communities."
• CHD Commits $500,000 For Innovative Welfare Reform Initiatives (97-065)
  March 21, 1997
  The Campaign for Human Development (CHD), the Catholic Church's domestic anti- poverty program, will make available up to $500,000 on a one-time basis to support efforts to help low-income people play a positive role in implementing federal welfare reform legislation at the state and local levels.
• United Nations, U.S. Government Officials to Address National Migration Conference March 13-16 (97-051)
  March 7, 1997
  Workshops on changes in immigration and refugee policy, legal assistance for immigrants, and providing for the pastoral needs of people on the move will be highlighted with addresses by the Assistant United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and officials from the United States government at the National Migration Conference March 13-16 in Bethesda, Maryland.
• Efforts Against Toxic Waste, Noise Pollution, Lead Poisoning Among Projects Funded by U.S. Bishops' Environmental Mini-Grants (97-042)
  February 25, 1997
  Efforts against toxic waste in Phoenix, noise pollution in the Bronx and lead poisoning in Lynchburg, Virginia, are among 19 projects funded by the U.S. Bishops' Environmental Justice Program.
• Pope's Lenten Message on Homeless Welcomed by Bishop (97-034)
  February 14, 1997
  Bishop William S. Skylstad hailed the Lenten message of Pope John Paul II, devoted to the plight of the homeless, saying it "calls for effective action on the international disgrace of widespread homelessness and lack of affordable housing."
• Jack Kemp, Robert Reich to Address Catholic Group on the Moral and Ethical Dimensions of Economic Life (97-029)
  February 12, 1997
  Former Housing Secretary Jack Kemp and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich will be among the speakers to address Catholic social ministry leaders at the 1997 Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, February 23-26.
• Catholics Nationwide Mark Stand Against Violence Week (96-005)
  January 7, 1997
  Catholics throughout the United States have been called to celebrate Stand Against Violence Week, January 12-22. The week is designated by the U.S. Bishops to urge people to work for peace and to remind them of the prevalence of violence in contemporary society. This is the third year the Bishops have designated a time to mark anti-violence activities.

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