Each November at Catholic Charities, we pause to remember our deceased loved ones.

On All Soul's Day (November 2nd) and throughout the month of November, the staff at Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey will gather and pray for those who went before us.

We invite you to submit your prayer intentions and the names of beloved friends and family to be included in our prayers.

To submit a prayer request, please fill out the request form (it takes less than 2 minutes to complete) via the scan or the link below.

Please submit your response by Wednesday, November 1st, 2023.

Thank you!

Pajaro, CA. In late August, we celebrated the start of Fall with the generosity and support from our community partners, Farmworker Caravan, San Jose Rotary Club, Catholic Charities Santa Clara, by delivering thousands of donated household goods to families living in the storm damaged community of Pajaro.

Over 1,200 survivors received critically needed essential items to replenish what was lost--food, diapers, school supplies, hygiene items, clothing, shoes, and more.

Dozens of volunteers and staff from two Catholic Charities sorted and arranged items, creating a market-style distribution where attendees could choose what they needed to aid in their recovery. The outpouring of support from the community was truly heartwarming and a "testament to the best of human dignity," commented Angela Di Novella, Executive Director, Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey. As one attendee shared, "I am so grateful to receive these things. It means a lot to my family."

The event was made possible through the support of donors and volunteers from multiple organizations, including high school students throughout Monterey and Santa Clara County, Community Bridges' Girl Squad, and many caring community supporters.

Thank you for providing help and creating hope for our neighbors in need!

On August 31st, the County of Monterey officially ended its Non-Congregate Temporary Shelter Program (NCS) which supported Pajaro flooding victims since March 2023. The program assisted 202 individuals to return to their repaired homes or transition to new residences.

Despite the closure of the NCS program, Catholic Charities is continuing our efforts to assist flood survivors with disaster case management by helping guide NCS participants through the time-consuming FEMA application process, exploring alternative housing options (such as emergency housing vouchers), and connecting them to local resources. 

Our Disaster relief team has successfully assisted 25 families' return to their homes and 42 families with their FEMA Individual Assistance (each family received an average of $9,224 in total assistance). Additionally, Catholic Charities, along with other local nonprofit partners, including the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz and Community Bridges distributed $1.2 million in direct economic assistance to Pajaro residents since March 11, 2023.

We continue to support over 116 families to rebuild their lives after the devastating flood. We have joined hands with Community Bridges in providing in-person assistance at the Pajaro Long-Term Recovery Center at 14 Porter Drive, Pajaro, CA.

Greenfield, CA — In late August, Catholic Charities' Nutrition Education staff kicked off its 2023-2024 CalFresh Healthy Living nutrition education series in Greenfield for families of the Greenfield Union School District.

This five-week program focuses on the components of a healthy lifestyle, such as chronic disease prevention, healthy food choices and cooking demonstrations. Over 50 persons attended the bilingual weekly program.

"I learned so much at these sessions, like how to shop at the grocery store to find the healthiest options. I also enjoyed trying new recipes of foods I haven't tried before," one enthusiastic participant shared with our staff.

In addition to Greenfield, we are partnering with local parishes, schools, and community agencies to make nutrition education accessible to everyone. Our dedicated staff also assists those in need with CalFresh food application assistance.

To learn more about our program, please click here.

Aptos, CA — On Sunday, October 1st, Bishop Daniel Garcia hosted a special mass and reception/dinner for Catholic Charities' Opus Christi Society members, board members, sponsors and community leaders.

The Opus Christi Society's mass took place at the Resurrection Church in Aptos, CA and the reception/dinner at Seacliff Inn, a three minutes walk from the church.

The annual event thanked members for their continued support and updated them on how their contributions have impacted the community.

The event also celebrated two award recipients:

• Martina O'Sullivan as 2023 Opus Christi Ambassador for her numerous contributions to our local Catholic Charities and the national networks.
• Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (CFSCC), as Community Partner of the Year for their partnership and support during the recent winter storms/floods and the 2020 wildfires. Kevin Heuer, Director of Engagement and Impact received the award on behalf of Community Foundation.

To learn more about how to join the Opus Christi Society, click here.