Catholic Charities - Diocese of YoungstownWelcome LetterWelcome to the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown's website! Pope Benedict XVI's recent Apostolic Exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis, states an explicit link between the living and preaching of the Gospel, and the Eucharist. He writes: "The mystery of the Eucharist inspires and impels us to work courageously within our world to bring about that renewal of relationships which has its inexhaustible source in God's gift. The prayer which we repeat at every Mass: "Give us this day our daily bread," obliges us to do everything possible, in cooperation with international, state and private institutions, to end or at least reduce the scandal of hunger and malnutrition afflicting so many millions of people in our world, especially in developing countries." (par. 91) On this website you will find information on our many programs and services, manifestations of both Gospel and Eucharist as we work to give people thier "daily bread" of charity and justice. As one of the largest social service providers in the State of Ohio, Catholic Charities provides services to children, families, older adults, newcomers, and special populations throughout the following six counties in northeastern Ohio: Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more than 36,000 of our neighbors in need. Sometimes we are asked: what exactly do you do at Catholic Charities? We organize and coordinate the Bishop's (Diocese's) mandate to help the Catholic Church -- through its parishes and individuals, along with other partners -- live out the Corporal Works of Mercy. The Corporal Works of Mercy are the seven practices of charity toward our neighbor:
Oftentimes, Catholic Charities is an agency of last resort for families and persons in need. We see each person as made in the image of God, and serve each individual and family with great love and compassion. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with our website and its many features including our volunteer needs and donation pages. Our website also features a "News and Events" section, which highlights recent happenings and provides information on vital, upcoming Catholic Charities fundraisers and community projects. You also have the opportunity to sign up for our online newsletter, Caritas Notes, which is published quarterly so you always know what we are doing. The work of Catholic Charities and its affiliate agencies is made possible by generous donations from the annual Bishop's Appeal for Catholic Charities and Church. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the funds collected through this year's campaign are allocated to Catholic Charities. We are grateful to those who affirm the ministries of Catholic Charities by supporting the Bishop's Appeal, and praying for those who rely on us each and every day.
We invite you to come back to our website regularly for updates on how we are providing help and creating hope throughout the Diocese of Youngstown.
Brian R. Corbin Mary Ellen Andersen |