Welcome
Dear Friends in Christ:
In the story of the Last Judgment, Jesus reminds us to care for those in need. If we ignore those who are hungry, thirsty, ill, without clothes, in prison, or strangers, we turn away from Christ. When we act with compassion, generosity, and commitment to justice for the “least among us,” we act as his true disciples.
The Catholic Relief Services Collection is an important opportunity to express Christian compassion and generosity. The Collection is scheduled for March 1-2 in many dioceses across the country. The Collection theme, Jesus in disguise, reminds us of the presence of Christ in every one of our brothers and sisters in need. The Collection helps build the Church’s international social ministry by funding the work of six agencies:
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., provides a full range of legal and support services to Catholic programs directly representing poor immigrants. It also advocates for comprehensive immigration reform. Its focus is on reunification of families and protection of those fleeing persecution or civil unrest.
Catholic Relief Services, the official international relief and development agency of the Catholic community in the United States, assists people in 98 countries on the basis of need—not race, creed, or nationality. Catholic Relief Services creates opportunities for Catholics in the United States to live their faith in solidarity with poor people overseas by providing financial support and addressing the root causes of poverty.
Migration and Refugee Services, of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, annually resettles one quarter of the refugees admitted to the United States, serves victims of human trafficking, and provides advocacy for and pastoral care to many newcomers and persons on the move.
Justice, Peace, and Human Development (formerly Social Development and World Peace), of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, advocates for poor and vulnerable people and for international peace and justice. It works to build the capacity of the Church to respond to global concerns such as religious freedom, poverty, and hunger.
The Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church (SCDC), of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has as part of its mission the evangelization and pastoral care of immigrants, migrants, refugees, and people on the move. The SCDC supports a network of national pastoral centers, pastoral consultants, and diocesan personnel who minister to various ethnic groups and migrant communities.
The Holy Father’s Relief Fund assists victims of natural disasters and other emergencies around the world.
By giving to The Catholic Relief Services Collection, you are responding to Jesus in disguise. Thank you for your generosity. Please explore this site for more information.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. John G. Vlazny
Chairman, Committee on National Collections