Join our brothers and sisters throughout the Archdiocese of Indianapolis on Sunday, March 10, 2024, by supporting the Catholic Relief Services Annual Appeal. Please offer your prayerful, vocal and financial support.
The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports Catholic Church organizations that carry out international relief and solidarity efforts. Programs include relief and resettlement for victims of persecution, war, and natural disasters; development projects to improve living conditions for the poor; legal and support services for poor immigrants; peace and reconciliation work for people suffering from violence; and advocacy on behalf of the powerless.
In the developing world, it is often hard for families to support themselves and their children. Sophie, a widow working in a village in Burkina Faso, was struggling to feed her family and pay for schooling for her children. Thanks to the help of Catholic Relief Services, one of the CRSC-supported organizations, her village was able to set up a Savings and Internal Lending Community (SILC).
Through the SILC, members contribute what they can afford, allowing them to pool their resources and save collectively. Members can then borrow money to meet pressing needs or develop business opportunities. Through the SILC, Sophie was able to take out a $200 loan to cover startup costs for her own canteen, a sum that would be nearly impossible for her to save.
Her canteen has been very successful and began to pay off in only six months. Her community has benefited too, as she has been able to hire three assistants to work with her. Without the SILC and the work of CRS, it would have been nearly impossible for her, and others like her, to create a sustainable life for her and her family.
Catholic Relief Services needs your help. Funds from this collection support the work of Catholic organizations that aid victims of war and natural disaster, provide pastoral care to migrant workers, and help welcome refugees fleeing violence and persecution.
By participating in this year’s collection, you help the Church reveal Christ’s love to people in need around the world and across the country. Thank you for your continued support of this collection. More information about Catholic Relief Services can be found at www.usccb.org/national-collection/catholic-relief-services-collection/.
To make an online gift, scan the QR code for the Quick Links to make a one-time or recurring gifts using debit cards, credit cards, or eChecks (ACH). An envelope for the Catholic Relief Services is included in the monthly envelope packet. Please make sure your check is made payable to the parish church, clearly marking in the memo line CRS (4023.400).
Online February 29, 2024 | Bulletin March 10, 2024