US parishes join Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection

By Vatican News staff reporter

Parishes across the United States are joining the annual collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to support the US Bishops’ domestic anti-poverty programme and its partner organizations this weekend.

Parishioners are invited to contribute at Mass, or through parish online giving platforms. #iGiveCatholicTogether also accepts funds in support of CCHD.

Fighting poverty in the US

CCHD was launched in 1969, following the publication of St. Paul VI’s Encyclical ‘Popolorum Progressio’ on the Development of Peoples. Its aim is to address the root causes of poverty in America, through the promotion of social justice, education and solidarity.

Organizations supported by CCHD help expand access to affordable housing and education, develop worker-owned businesses, train neighbourhood advocates, and empower essential workers to advocate for workplace safety.

Working for the poor for over 50 years

“In Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis writes that ‘when the good of others is at stake, good intentions are not enough.’ That same vision has inspired the Catholic Campaign for Human Development for more than a half century. CCHD is about helping those who are poor, marginalized, or wounded to achieve their dreams,” said Bishop David G. O’Connell, chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on the CCHD.

Helping people help themselves

“The work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development helps people help themselves at the local community level through advocacy, engagement with their neighbours, and cooperation with local religious and government leaders.

CCHD empowers those in poor communities to make a living and to create change that builds stronger neighbourhoods and healthier communities.”

The impact of CCHD

The Subcommittee’s website details information on the history, mission and impact of CCHD and of the work carried out by the organizations it supports to eradicate poverty in the US.

The website highlights some Stories of Hope including projects for environmental justice, for immigrants, for empowering immigrant women.