Pope Francis established World Day of the Poor in 2017 as part of his ongoing mission to further focus the Catholic Church on service to the poor. This November, the message of the Holy Father for the third annual World Day of the Poor is for Catholics to embrace those trapped in poverty.

Scripture makes an urgent appeal on behalf of the poor, and at Cross Catholic Outreach, we work hard to support that mission by empowering the many dedicated Catholic ministries that bring hope to the suffering in our world.

Cross Catholic Outreach is unique among all U.S. Catholic Charities. In addition to having the status of Juridic Personhood within the Universal Catholic Church, our Board of Directors is composed of bishops and archbishops who provide Episcopal oversight of our work on behalf of the poorest of the poor around the world.

As we prepare for the celebration of our Lord’s birth, please consider participating in Cross Catholic Outreach’s “Homes for Christmas” Advent ministry. When you get involved, you will join other Catholic parishes across the U.S. as they bless poor Haitian families with the gift of safe housing — a blessing that renews dignity and uplifts families for generations.

It’s been more than a year since Cross Catholic Outreach lost one of its greatest supporters, Bishop Richard Garcia of the Diocese of Monterey. Bishop Garcia joined the CCO Board of Directors in 2010 and served until he passed away last year.