Outreach

catholic relief services

“Fear needs to be replaced by hope so that all people can live in freedom and peace. The outcome of the referenda should not be seen as a threat to either side, but an opportunity . . . . We, as children of God, extend our hands to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Sudan in a spirit of peace and reconciliation. . . . We call upon all people of good will to leave behind mistrust and hatred and move to a new life of justice, peace, love and reconciliation.”  The Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference, November 14. 2010

Catholic Diocese of Arlington

Pray and Act for peace in Sudan

On January 9 the people of Sudan will vote in a referendum to determine whether the country will be divided into two nations, Northern Sudan and Southern Sudan.  What has led to this moment is a complicated story with religious, tribal, and ethnic components, and involving natural resources and the interests of other nations.  There is a great potential for violence after the vote regardless of its outcome, and Catholic Relief Services has been working tirelessly in Sudan to promote peaceful means of resolving conflict as the referendum nears.

CRS asks all of us to join them in their “101 Days of Prayer for Peace in Sudan,” which began on September 21, 2010, the International Day of Peace, and continues until January 1, 2011, the World Day of Peace.  Click here to read about the urgent request of the Catholic bishops of Sudan that U.S. Catholics learn about the upcoming referendum and push for international action to ensure that it is conducted properly.

CRS/CCHD Diocesan Committee

A group of more than twenty committed individuals from around the Diocese serves on the Diocesan Committee for CRS and CCHD.  The Committee promotes CRS programs and works with the Diocesan Coordinator to review applications for Operation Rice Bowl funding from groups and projects located in the Diocese. It then makes funding recommendations to Bishop Loverde.  Click here [link to the same page as used on the CCHD page] to see a list of the Committee’s current members.

 

Solidarity

As Catholics, we believe we are all part of one human family. We are called to protect the life and dignity of every member of that family. Solidarity is a basic concept in Catholic teaching that asks us to stand with those who are poor and assist people in need around the world.

The Diocese of Arlington CRS Office fosters solidarity with those in poverty overseas by educating parishioners about the work of CRS and how it relates to Catholic Social Teaching.  We help our parishes connect to programs offered by the national office, such as:

While 75% of the money donated to Operation Rice Bowl funds CRS programs overseas, 25% stays here to fund food pantries and other direct assistance in the Diocese of Arlington.