Catholic Charities USA Responds to Hurricane Harvey

 

Image courtesy of AlexandriaNews.org

As the official domestic relief agency of the Catholic Church, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is assisting with the relief of Hurricane Harvey along with local Catholic Charities Agencies in Texas. Sister Donna Markham OP, PhD, president and CEO of CCUSA was present in San Antonio on Labor Day to present nearly $2 million to aid local Catholic Charities agencies. All funds will be going directly to helping those who were affected by the hurricane in receiving basic supplies such as food and shelter.

Catholic Charities Disaster Recovery Team is also using their Disaster Relief Vehicle, presented to CCUSA just last week by the Ford Motor Company, to distribute supplies to impacted areas. Impacted agencies have also been asked to list their specific needs and then CCUSA will distribute the list in order to most effectively aid those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. If you would like to contribute to the recovery efforts, you may text CCUSADISASTER to 71777 to donate or here to donate online.

Read the full article and learn more about the work of Catholic Charities USA here.

Catholic University of America to Host Symposium on Domestic Violence

“Violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified. Violence in any form – physical, sexual, psychological, verbal – is sinful; often, it is a crime as well” – U.S. Catholic Bishops, When I Call for Help (2002) 

This summer, the National Catholic School of Social Service at The Catholic University of America, along with several partner organizations, has taken up the call to address violence against women in a symposium: “Hope, Help, and Healing: A Catholic Response to Domestic Violence.”

With the goals of increasing awareness of domestic violence in the U.S. and Catholic teachings on domestic violence, as well as encouraging Catholic leaders “to continue the conversation” and “to develop prevention and response strategies,” the symposium will bring together leaders from various Catholic organizations, both at the national and local levels. These organizations include:

• Catholic Charities USA
• USCCB Office of Justice, Peace and Human Development
• USCCB Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, Youth
• USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
• Catholic Charities of the Arch.of Washington
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington
• The National Catholic School of Social Service of the Catholic University of America (Host)

Read more on the symposium taking place July 7-8.  Registration is available now!

How does your college or university address domestic violence and violence against women? Let us know! 

St. Mary’s University Collaborates with Catholic Charities in Service

One excellent way to engage in Lenten sacrifice is through service to our brothers and sisters in need. In an effort to participate in the Jubilee Year of Mercy, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, is partnering this Lent with Catholic Charities of San Antonio for their annual Continuing the Heritage Day of Service, as well as their inaugural “40 Days of Service” campaign.

In contrast to the brand new 40 Days of Service, Continuing the Heritage is a thirteen year old service initiative, in which over 8,500 volunteers have participated in 50,000 hours of service since its inception. This biannual day of service is an opportunity for St. Mary’s University students, staff, faculty to set aside some time to engage with the local community in various projects. From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, over 500 volunteers served at over twenty different sites in the San Antonio area in projects including gardening, assisting teachers at elementary schools, food preparation, assisting at hospitals, and much more.

Continuing the Heritage kicked off St. Mary’s and Catholic Charities’ first 40 Days of Service. This new initiative will bring St. Mary’s students, staff, and faculty and San Antonio community members together to continue serving their neighbors in need. The various projects include mentoring, organizing donation drives, stocking food donations, tutoring children, distributing food, painting, landscaping and assisting veterans and seniors.

How will your college or university engage in service this Lent? Let us know! 

 

Ending Extreme Poverty Now: Working Together with the Poor

In recognition of Pope Francis’ call to address poverty in new and substantive ways, and in solidarity with those suffering in poverty across the globe, various Catholic organizations are co-sponsoring a conference on “Ending Extreme Poverty Now,” taking place on Tuesday, April 28, at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. The conference is sponsored by the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies (CUA), United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities USA, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Africa Faith & Justice Network.

This conference will engage on the vital topic of so many living in extreme poverty worldwide – including millions here in the United States. Sponsors will share the perspective of agencies serving those in extreme poverty in local communities nationwide. Featured keynote addresses include the Apostolic Nuncio to the United Nations and the assistant administrator from USAID. The conference is free and open to the public, and will be held at the Catholic University of America on Tuesday April 28, 4-6:30 p.m. For more information and to reserve your place, click here.

Join us in person or via live stream (available on the day of the event) here, or check out details on ACCU’s calendar.

New Partnership Supports Migrant Children’s Ability to Read

Catholic Charities USA launched a joint site with First Books as part of its overall response to the humanitarian crisis at the border. Every $2.50 provides a brand-new book for one of these displaced children, helping them feel protected and cared for while they’re far from home.  This site creates an easy opportunity for individuals to make a donation to purchase books which will be sent to the agencies most impacted by caring for the families and unaccompanied minors coming across the border. Visit and share to learn more and spread the word!

2014 Catholic Charities Annual Gathering

October 4 – 7, 2014

Charlotte, NC

CCUSA is excited to announce that registration is officially open for the 2014 Annual Gathering, which is taking place this year in Charlotte, North Carolina from October 4-7.

We encourage you to visit the event website for details, and encourage you to check back often for updates on keynote speakers, specific workshops, and other important information. Now is a great time to sign up for those whose fiscal years end on June 30 – We hope to see you in “The Queen City” this October as we continue setting the pace and changing the course in working to reduce poverty!