Mother's Day: A Time for Love, Happiness and Reflection

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May 06, 2011, 03:54 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the nation prepares to observe Mother's Day by showering Moms with the love and praise they so richly deserve, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of motherhood to society, says Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA.

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"As we celebrate Mother's Day with love and happiness, we take a very special look at the critical role mothers play and the everlasting fabric they provide to our families," said Fr. Snyder. "Motherhood is at the heart of our work to lift families out of poverty, and we honor them not just for the day, but for the role they play in everyone's life, every day."

Motherhood is at the heart of Catholic Charities' existence. CCUSA can trace its beginnings to the work of the French Ursuline Sisters who started an orphanage in New Orleans in 1727. They provided shelter, education and caring for children whose mother and father had died due to illness or tragedy.

Today, local Catholic Charities agencies provide essential services to women and mothers, in turn strengthening families, reducing poverty, and enriching generations to come.

For more information about Catholic Charities USA visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

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 celebrated its centennial anniversary and introduced new federal legislation – the National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act (NOCRA) – to transform the nation's approach to poverty.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA