We accompany the poor and vulnerable on World Day of the Poor, and always
Sunday, November 13, is the sixth annual World Day of the Poor, established by Pope Francis to remind us that Jesus Christ became poor for our sakes; to live forever with him we must imitate him in becoming and serving the poor.
Bishop Michael Burbidge, recalling the Holy Father’s massage, urged parishioners to “walk in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are poor and lift their needs in prayer, especially at Mass.”
“May we also embrace opportunities to share our time and treasure with them, through our own initiatives, or through ministries of service at our parishes and Catholic Charities, which seek to serve and accompany the poor in our diocese every day of the year.”
Catholic Charities never stops serving the poor. Last year, we provided $7.2 million in assistance for food, rent, utility, medical and refugee assistance throughout our diocese. We provided $2.6 million in food to families throughout the 21 counties and seven cities through our St. Lucy Food Project, which collects food from parishes and community groups and distributes it to Catholic Charities and community pantries. We continue to provide safe housing and workforce development to homeless men at Christ House and to homeless mothers who live with their families at St. Margaret of Cortona. We also provide pregnancy and adoption services to mothers in unexpected or crisis pregnancies or families seeking to adopt; free medical care; mental health counseling; education and training to newcomers and others, and special accompaniment to seniors at St. Martin de Porres Senior Center.
With God’s grace and your ongoing prayers, volunteer time and support, we will never stop serving those in need. Please join us in prayer on World Day of the Poor for our vulnerable neighbors, and for our staff and volunteers.
Learn about the Mercy Van - Going Out to Meet the Poor
