Nov. 19, 2014

By Sister Donna Franklin
Diocesan director, Catholic Charities

The parishes in the Diocese of Ogdensburg will take up the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the Black and Indian Missions combined collection on the weekend of Nov. 23.

Each year 25% of the funds from the CCHD collection remain in the diocese for local projects with two grants awarded to local agencies.

Over the years some of the local organizations that have received grants are: St. Peter’s (Plattsburgh) Soup Kitchen and Charity Fund, St. Alexander’s, (Morrisonville) startup funds for their parish Soup Kitchen, Watertown Urban Mission Bridges Program and the Ticonderoga Backpack Program.

This year’s theme for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Working on the Margins, highlights Pope Francis’ concept of Church.

He invites us to be a church that opens its arms in welcome to all of our brothers and sisters living on the margins.

Working to end poverty presents a challenge and a goal for every Catholic who believes in mercy and justice. You can help to raise individuals and groups out of poverty through your financial gift to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

The collection for the Black and Indian Missions provides essential resources for our brothers and sisters from these communities.

An annual grant funds religious education and evangelization programs throughout the United States.

Pope Francis provides us with an example of a life lived for others. His teachings focus us on our call to community. Your support of the Combined Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the Black and Indian Missions builds community, expresses the compassion of our loving God and opens the door to a life lived with dignity for all those who need a “hand up” .

Further information is available from  Catholic Charities at (315) 393-2255.