CCHD helps those who live in poverty

November 20, 2003

My Dear Friends in Christ,

Despite the best efforts of concerned Catholics like those in this diocese, 33 million people in our country remain caught in the cycle of poverty. Poverty in America holds in its grasp one in six children, one in ten families, and one in ten of our senior citizens.

Since 1970, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has worked in our name to help people break the cycle of poverty, not just for a day, but for a lifetime. CCHD projects in our diocese and throughout the United States support low-income people as they work together to solve community problems, increase educational opportunities, and create jobs.

CCHD relies on an annual parish collection to fund anti-poverty programs in communities across the country. In recent years, CCHD has been forced to turn down nearly half the groups that apply for help.

I urge you to give generously to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development when the annual collection is taken in your parish on Nov. 22-23, 2003.

We send 75 percent of the donations to the CCHD national office to support anti-poverty projects across the country; 25 percent stays here in our diocese to fund local self-help initiatives that benefit our local communities, especially the development of our Hispanic Ministry Program.

We can bring a lasting end to poverty in our nation if we work together. Please support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development next weekend to help break the cycle of poverty and build community. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

†Most Rev. Daniel N. DiNardo
Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City