Outreach
catholic relief services
'Our times call for a new readiness to assist our neighbors in need.'
Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), 2006, Pope Benedict XVI
Solidarity
As Catholics, we believe we are all part of one human family. We are called to protect the life and dignity of every member of that family. Solidarity is a basic concept in Catholic teaching that asks us to stand with those who are poor and assist people in need around the world.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
is the official international relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic community. CRS feeds families, shelters refugees, rebuilds shattered lives, protects health, develops sustainable communities, and restores hope in 99 countries around the world.
The role of the Diocese of Arlington CRS office is to educate local parishioners about the work of CRS and how it relates to Catholic Social Teaching. We assist local parishes in connecting to programs offered by the national office, such as:
- Fair Trade Programs
- Food Fast weekend retreat for youth
- Speaker tours featuring CRS overseas staff sharing their stories
- Catholic Campaign Against Global Poverty
- Operation Rice Bowl
While 75% of the money donated to Operation Rice Bowl funds CRS programs overseas, 25% stays here in the Diocese of Arlington. Click here to learn more about the local grant program.
who are we?
The work of Catholic Relief Services in our Diocese is strongly supported by the 22 volunteers who serve on the CRS/CCHD Diocesan Committee. These individuals review grants, make presentations, and promote Catholic Relief Services programs both in their own parishes and by reaching out to others. Click Here to see a list of current members. To volunteer, download an application and send it in. Volunteers serve on the CRS/CCHD Diocesan Committee for a two-year term and orientation is held every year in January.
To learn more
about what CRS is doing here in the Diocese of Arlington, please contact us.
FaiR tRADE pOSTER coNTEST
This contest is open to students in grades 7-12 and offers a $200 prize to the first place winner. Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2010. Click here for more information.

