WASHINGTON—The Catholic Relief Services Collection, scheduled to take place March 14-15 in many dioceses across the United States, aids more than 100 million people around the world including those affected by persecution, war and natural disasters, through the six worldwide agencies it supports. The collection’s theme “Help Jesus in Disguise,” provides an opportunity to echo the gospel call to assist and accompany the poor.

“The Catholic Relief Services Collection gives us a Lenten opportunity for global solidarity. We show our love of God and each other through caring for the poor and marginalized. This collection provides much-needed humanitarian aid, supports development projects that improve living conditions, and provides resources for immigrant and immigrant communities and advocacy programs,” said Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati, chairman of the Committee on National Collections of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). “This collection helps to alleviate suffering in incredibly meaningful ways.”

Funds from last year’s collection helped Catholic Relief Services (CRS) provide housing and protection for people whose lives have been disrupted by violence in Gaza, Jerusalem and the Kurdish region of Iraq. CRS has also introduced peacebuilding programs in South Sudan, and continues assisting in rebuilding efforts in communities struck by natural disasters in Haiti and the Philippines. CRS is a leading provider of services and expertise in agriculture, global health and emergency response and recovery.

In addition, USCCB’s Office of International Justice and Peace (IJP) and Catholic Relief Services worked with the Church in the Central African Republic to raise awareness and advocate for those afflicted by violence and conflict. As a result of their intervention, the United States committed $101 million for Africa Union Peacekeepers and $30 million for humanitarian assistance. The number of African Union Peacekeepers was i…

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops