Catholic Charities USA Prepares to Celebrate National Catholic Charities Sunday

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Sep 16, 2010, 03:45 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Sunday, September 26, 2010, Catholic Charities USA, the 100-year-old social service network working to reduce poverty in America, will celebrate National Catholic Charities Sunday, a national recognition event, designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, honoring the Catholic Charities network for its century of commitment and service to millions of people.

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Catholic Charities Sunday, to be celebrated at parishes across the country, shares the story of the Catholic Charities movement and calls others to work for justice and help reduce poverty in America. During the celebration, participating parishes will have a video prepared by Catholic Charities USA that highlights the work of Catholic Charities. Parishioners will also be invited to engage in a postcard campaign asking government leaders to support efforts that reduce poverty, promote human dignity, support families and empower communities, so that everyone has the opportunity to reach his/her full potential.

Nationally, Catholic Charities Sunday comes on the second day of Catholic Charities USA's Centennial Gathering. Sunday Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Dolan. Following the liturgy, Archbishop Dolan will deliver a keynote address on his doctoral work focused on the work of Monsignor William Kerby, pioneer of the Catholic Charities Movement and first Executive Secretary of Catholic Charities USA (then known as the National Conference of Catholic Charities).

Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 "to bring about a sense of solidarity" among those in charitable ministries. Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has encouraged professional social work practice, provided opportunities for training and networking, and served as a national voice and expert on poverty issues. The Centennial is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and renew the commitment to serve those in need.

For more information about Catholic Charities USA's Centennial activities, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/centennial.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary. For more information, http://www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA