As we approach the 10th anniversary of launching the Box of Joy faith-in-action project, Cross Catholic Outreach praises God for the continued growth of our ministry to poor children in the developing world. Recently, Pope Francis himself smiled effusively upon learning of this ministry and graciously blessed the Box of Joy ministry in St. Peter’s Square.
Likewise, U.S. Church leaders fully support Box of Joy. Bishop Earl Fernandes of the Diocese of Columbus fondly remembers, prior to becoming a bishop, having his parish in Cincinnati fully engaged in preparing Box of Joy gifts for poor children when he served as pastor, saying it “helped raise awareness among young people of the need to alleviate poverty.” Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv., of the Archdiocese of Atlanta has called packing Box of Joy gifts a “teachable moment” for children in the United States, who can learn at a young age that there are poor children who lack basic needs.
Parishes looking to combine a family-friendly event with an opportunity for meaningful engagement are welcome to sign up online to participate in Box of Joy.
Box of Joy is a ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach.
Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.
