Since 2016, the Catholic Church has marked the World Day of the Poor on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time to encourage Catholics to reflect on their responsibility toward those living in poverty. This year, parishes across many U.S. dioceses will observe the day on November 15-16 by holding a collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), which is an anti-poverty initiative run by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bishop Timothy Senior of Harrisburg, who chairs the bishops’ Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, said, “Jesus reminds us that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, holds within it the power to transform the world. From something seemingly insignificant can grow a tree that offers shelter, hope, and new life. In many ways, that is the story of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, founded by the bishops of the United States in 1969. Through CCHD, the Church lives out the Gospel call to solidarity, fostering the capacity of people experiencing poverty to work together to confront the roots of injustice and build stronger, more just communities.” He added: “This same spirit of faith takes root in our own communities, where twenty-five percent of every CCHD collection stays within the diocese. These funds support local efforts that uplift our neighbors, strengthen families, and help build a future of hope.”

The CCHD supports organizations that focus on justice initiatives such as neighborhood improvement and job creation for marginalized groups in both urban and rural areas throughout America.

Bishop Senior highlighted four organizations supported by CCHD grants which address issues including nutrition improvement, violence reduction, disaster preparedness and environmental pollution mitigation. These organizations operate in diverse settings—from Chicago’s South Side addressing violence and pollution to groups supporting farmers and ranchers or working in hurricane-prone regions.

CCHD provides funding not only to Catholic but also nonsectarian and interreligious organizations; however all recipients must adhere to Catholic moral teachings regarding respect for human life from conception until natural death while prioritizing aid for those most in need.

In 2024 alone, $2.24 million was distributed through CCHD grants.

“World Day of the Poor is an invitation for us to pray and to act, to build a world that truly recognizes the God-given dignity of our brothers and sisters who are most vulnerable,” Bishop Senior said. “One concrete way to respond to this call is by participating in the collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. I invite you to remember the Lord’s words about the mustard seed: even the smallest act of faith can, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, grow into something that transforms lives and renews communities, both across our nation and within your own diocese.”

Some dioceses may hold their collections at different times during November. Those unable to donate during parish services have an option to contribute online via iGiveCatholic’s platform.