Catholic Charities – Charity Matters

This week marks an important visit as Pope Francis heads to the United States. While most of us see Pope Francis as the leader of the Catholic Church and some as a symbol of hope, we often forget that he is also the head of one of the largest social-service organizations and non-profits in the world. Because of that Francis for many is a symbol of charity.

The Pope is not only an advocate for the poor and the suffering but also the leader of an organization with over 68 million members in America alone, and the largest religious denomination in the United States. The Catholic Church supports and runs schools, hospitals, and hundreds of Catholic Colleges to name a few.

Last year Catholic Charities USA, which works to reduce poverty in the U.S., ranked number 7 on the Philanthropy top 400, raising more than most of the non-profits in the United States. Many are attributing the spike in giving to the enthusiasm about Pope Francis. His message of love, compassion and charity can often be found on his twitter feed. Last January 24th he said, “Practicing charity is the best way to evangelize.”

This week the United States welcomes Pope Francis and his message of hope to all.

Charity Matters.

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One of the greatest joys of Charity Matters has been the realization that everyone has a cause they care about and want to share. There is nothing I love more than a friend telling me that I have to hear about their favorite organization and this one is no exception. The Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children found me through a friend and now it has found you.

In 1984, at age 60, Sister Julia Mary Farley and Catholic Charities responded to an increasing number of homeless on the streets of downtown Los Angeles. She suggested using a former convent as an emergency shelter for the most vulnerable of the homeless population, women and children. These women and children became her focus.

Sister Julia’s mission was to offer shelter and hope for these women. She wanted them to rebuild their lives so they could experience a brighter future for their children. Her dream was to create a “Women’s Village” that would provide housing, job training, employment and other supportive services, to achieve independence.

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Today, 27 years later Sister Julia’s dream has become a reality for over 1,000 homeless women and children each year. Every night 93 women and 40 children are off the streets because of her. The work she started has been carried on by Sister Rosaline and the staff at the center. Good Shepherd Center has impacted the lives of over 25,000 homeless women and children by giving them the support they need to achieve self-sufficient lives.

Sister Julia said it best, “I think, to use whatever God has given you to help other people. We’ve got to make the world a better place, got to keep working at it.”

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2012 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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