![[home]](/comm/images/usccb_logo.gif){kind=logo}
WASHINGTON(February 10, 2005)—The Catholic Relief Services Collection (formerly the American Bishops Overseas Appeal) now offers resources for Catholic media and diocesan communications directors online at www.usccb.org/crscollection. Press kit materials including camera-ready ads and other resources are available and easily downloadable. Catholic media and diocesan communications directors are encouraged to utilize the online materials in promoting this national collection and its mission to help people in need around the world.
The recent Asian tsunami, with its devastating loss of life, injuries, and property damage, demonstrated the critical importance of the Catholic Relief Services Collection. Thanks in part to ongoing support from this collection, U.S. Catholic relief and development agencies were already in place in the regions before the tsunami hit, allowing them to respond quickly and effectively. But short-term, emergency aid will not be enough. A long-term commitment is needed, not only for those in communities impacted by the tsunami, but also for millions of poor and marginalized people in other regions of the world.
The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports emergency relief, human development, and peace initiatives in 99 countries around the world. For 60 years, generous support from Catholics in your community for this appeal has provided core funding for the work of U.S. social ministry agencies of the Church engaged in international emergency relief, refugee resettlement, legal immigration, peacemaking, pastoral care, and advocacy for a more just and peaceful world.
Organizations That Benefit from the CRS Collection
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), is in its first year of funding from the Catholic Relief Services Collection. It provides a full range of legal and support services to Catholic programs directly representing poor immigrants. Its focus is reunification of families and protection of those fleeing persecution or civil unrest. To learn more, please contact Joe Ziska at (202) 635-2556 or visit www.ClinicLegal.org.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian organization of the U.S. Catholic community. The Baltimore-based agency provides assistance to people in 99 countries and territories based on need, not race, creed, or nationality. To learn more, please contact Brian Backe at (410) 951-7280 or visit www.CatholicRelief.org.
Migration and Refugee Services (MRS), a department of the USCCB, serves and advocates for immigrants, refugees, migrants, and people on the move through advocacy, resettlement services, and pastoral care. To learn more, please contact Jim Kuh of MRS at (202) 541-3220 or visit www.USCCB.org/mrs.
Social Development and World Peace (SDWP), a department of the USCCB, advocates on behalf of the Church for public policies that protect the poor and vulnerable and advance peace and justice throughout the world. To learn more, please contact Joan Rosenhauer at (202) 541-3381 or visit www.USCCB.org/sdwp.
The Holy Father's Relief Fund assists victims of natural disasters and emergencies worldwide.
The Catholic Relief Services Collection will be held nationally the weekend of March 5-6, 2005, and continues the theme of "Jesus in Disguise," reminding the faithful of the presence of Christ in each of our brothers and sisters in need.
For more information, please visit www.usccb.org/crscollection.