Welcome
The generosity of Catholics to the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Collection is critical to the work of the Church in caring for the urgent needs of our brothers and sisters around the world who are victims of war, persecution, disasters, and poverty. For over 60 years, the CRS Collection has made it possible to reach out in love and solidarity—materially and spiritually—to “Jesus in disguise,” the refugee seeking safe haven and peace, the victim of deadly diseases in developing countries, the family impoverished by crushing national debt in their country, and the immigrant seeking citizenship and other legal services.
In addressing today’s global realities, resources raised by the CRS Collection help make possible the following:
- much needed humanitarian aid and outreach programs to people, especially children, suffering loss of security or income in the face of desperate conflict in places like Israel and Palestine, Sudan, and other war-torn nations
- hundreds of emergency relief, refugee resettlement, and disaster assistance programs all over the world
- a voice for the voiceless through legislative efforts on behalf of the poor and marginalized
- advocacy to ensure that the U.S. government’s global programs better reflect the values and priorities of the Catholic community
- a call for debt relief for the poorest countries struggling to develop
- a wide range of legal immigration services to newcomers to our nation
I invite you to prayerfully consider ways that you might personally use your gifts in support of the CRS Collection. As vitally important as it is to secure the necessary financial resources to give aid to a suffering humanity, it is equally imperative to address the root causes of global injustices.
- Commit to becoming knowledgeable about the issues and policies that contribute to the dire conditions that this annual appeal seeks to alleviate.
- Raise your voice with elected officials and other government policymakers to bring justice and hope where little exists.
- In your parish or community, lead efforts to increase awareness and action on behalf of the victims of global crises.
May you be richly blessed for your faithfulness to the Gospel call to see the person of Jesus among all members of our worldwide human family and to minister to their every need.
MOST REV. WILLIAM S. SKYLSTAD
Bishop of Spokane
President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops