Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) provides comfort and assistance to people worldwide suffering from war, natural disasters, violent persecution, or extreme poverty. This work is made possible through contributions to The Catholic Relief Services Collection. This year, many dioceses will conduct this collection in their parishes during Masses on March 29-30.

The collection supports six Church-related entities that offer aid to vulnerable populations, fulfilling Christ’s mandate in Matthew’s Gospel to care for the “least of these.”

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) offers disaster relief and economic development initiatives among the poorest in developing countries. The Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church at the USCCB addresses pastoral needs across cultural boundaries within U.S. Catholics. The Secretariat of Justice and Peace engages in advocacy and outreach on behalf of the poor and works towards peace.

Migration & Refugee Services at the USCCB assists newcomers to the U.S., particularly victims of war and persecution. The Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) provides legal aid to refugees and migrants, including immigrant Catholic clergy who need help navigating U.S. immigration law. The Holy Father’s Relief Fund enables quick assistance from the Pope to disaster victims.

“This year, The Catholic Relief Services Collection has a very urgent significance,” said Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on National Collections. “Recently, the U.S. government abruptly suspended funding for its refugee resettlement program and then terminated cooperative agreements for such work, impacting thousands of refugees that the government has placed in charge of the USCCB for resettlement assistance."

He added that "with similarly abrupt stop-work orders on foreign humanitarian relief work, aid organizations such as Catholic Relief Services are unable to sustain their work overseas, bringing food, life-saving medicine, and daily necessities to people in need.”

While federal funding has been crucial for organizations like USCCB and CRS in aiding those in need, each year they spend more on supporting refugees than they receive from federal grants. Due to this funding suspension, USCCB and its local partners have started laying off employees which has damaged partnerships with local groups and affected future refugee assistance capabilities.

In previous years, The Catholic Relief Services Collection has brought religious sisters and priests to the United States; provided pastoral training for leaders ministering to Asian and Pacific Island communities; enabled families out of poverty; and funded efforts toward ending wars. In 2023 alone, over $13 million was distributed among six affiliated organizations through this collection.

For more information about projects funded in 2023 visit: usccb.org/catholic-relief.

iGiveCatholicTogether also accepts funds for this collection.

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