Pope Francis emphasized the need to reflect as a community on how “poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel” (ch. 21). Pope Leo XIV, too, has great affection for the poor and marginalized. In his apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te, on Love for the Poor, Pope Leo emphasizes the church’s identity in caring for the poor, stating that “it has always been a central part of her life” (ch. 103).

The Diocese of Austin aims to meet our most vulnerable and those on the margins by assisting organizations and groups through the CCHD. This is a domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops that works to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities. Through your participation over the years in the CCHD Special Collection, we have been able to help those most in need in the nation through the CCHD grant program.

This collection also benefits local organizations within Central Texas, with 25% of the funds remaining in the diocese. This year we were able to support seven local organizations with local grants. These organizations not only assist individuals living in poverty with a variety of wrap-around services but also serve in mission to educate on poverty and its causes. These following organizations have exemplified the journey of accompanying individuals to self-empowerment.

• Caritas of Austin assists with job placement and career development.
• Embrace Life Initiative helps families identify solutions to financial and physical needs.
• Hope Austin provides food programs for families and schools.
• Saint Louise House helps families on their journey to self-sufficiency by offering workshops on financial literacy, employment services, life skills and parenting skills.
• Sunrise Navigation Center connects people experiencing homelessness to housing and supportive services.
• Todos Juntos provides a dual-generational approach to early childhood education and adult education.
• Trinity Center helps individuals wanting to obtain IDs, birth certificates and food handlers licenses.

On this upcoming 10th anniversary of World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV asks us to return to the Word of God to reaffirm the importance of the poor in the life of church. We are reminded “We are the Lord’s Church, a Church of the poor.” (Message of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the Tenth World Day of the Poor)

Thank you for your generosity in supporting the CCHD special collection. Every dollar given allows us the opportunity to respond to the needs of the poor with love, compassion and solidarity.

The special collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development will be taken up during Masses on Nov. 14-15.