Catholic Charities to Consider During this Challenging Time

As we join together in praying for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, we also turn our prayers to our sisters and brothers experiencing job loss, income loss, and the uncertainty of where their next grocery payment will come from. Let us carry them in our hearts and prayers.

For those of us who are in a position to give of our talents, time, and treasure, here's a short list of places to offer them!

1 // Your Parish

Your parish has very likely taken a large financial hit unless most parishioners are already signed up for electronic payments or automatic withdrawals. Send in a check, set up that payment, and be in touch with your pastor about what the needs are of your community. Spiritual bouquets? Phone calls to older parishioners who may not be able to access livestream Mass or need a little tech help? Cards of encouragement for parish staff? Reach out. Don't be hesitant to offer to help.

2 // Sisters on the Frontlines

As the COVID-19 pandemic inflicts immense tolls on society, Catholic sisters are present among those most in need, providing rapid response to the poor and distressed. Sisters are embedded in their communities, knowing exactly who is in need and how to help.

Catholic Extension, in partnership with the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters, FADICA, GHR Foundation, The Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland and Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, has founded Sisters on the Frontlines, an alliance to respond to the immediate needs of communities impacted by COVID-19. The alliance recognizes the vital role of Catholic sisters in the most marginalized communities and seeks to aid them in their work by providing direct funding.

The Sisters on the Frontlines initiative aims to give 1,000 Catholic sisters $1,000 each to help an individual or family suffering from the adverse effects of the pandemic. The sister will then report back to the Frontlines alliance on how she made good on the mandate to care for someone in need. The program also strives to spread awareness about the impactful and innovative work of the sisters by asking people to share stories on social media with the hashtag #sistersonthefrontlines.

The program is being launched with seed funding through the alliance, but donations to Catholic Extension will be needed to reach the goal of $1,000 to 1,000 sisters.

Learn more, donate, or become a frontline partner here.

3 // Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

These friars serve the poor and live out their vows of poverty in a profoundly moving way based in the Bronx. Contribute to their fundraising page or their amazon wish list. As a begging order, they rely on donations. In turn, they serve the poor by sharing the Gospel and whatever they've been given.

4 // Corazon Puro

Corazon Puro is a nonprofit founded by Father Agustino Torres of the CFRs working directly with low-income youth leaders to equip them to evangelize (in particular with Theology of the Body's teachings). Donations help them in their critical work at this challenging time.

5 // Catholic Extension

Catholic Extension is working at this time to provide a virtual collection basket for most vulnerable parishes in isolated places to provide parishes with resources to ensure the presence of the Church remains in these areas.

6 // Spiritual Adoption/Bouquets

You can undertake this in a more organized way or a quiet way: commit to prayer for a group of people or organizations in need at this time. It could be as simple as a Rosary offered for the intentions of unexpectedly pregnant women or asking a priest to offer a Mass for a family member who has lost his or her job.

7 // Seven Sisters Apostolate

This very special apostolate organizes women to pray for as priest in groups of seven, each praying a Holy Hour for him one designated day per week. See if you can join a team or offer to be the anchoress for one?

8 // Catholic Charities

This well-loved organization is diocesan-based and provides care for the most vulnerable in our communities. At a time when much rebuilding will be required, this is a worthy option.

9 // St. Vincent de Paul Society

Since your local SVdP is likely not accepting donations of items at this time, consider supporting them financially so they can continue to provide care for those in need.

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Catholic Charities to Consider During this Challenging Time