Catholic Relief Services Takes Me to School

I was in Baltimore this week attending a workshop sponsored by Catholic Relief Services.  "Charm City" was bekoning me all week.  The first Catholic Cathedral in the U.S.was definitely worth a visit. Then, there is Baltimore's inner harbor where the U.S. Constitution is docked only three blocks from our hotel.  But these sights will have to wait for a return visit. My four days in Baltimore at CRS were action-packed from Mass at 7:30 AM until we returned to our hotel at the end of the day.

The orientation workshop offered once a year trains preachers to go out to parishes to spread the good news of the work of Catholic Relief Service which brings aid to the poor throughout the world.

  I have always had a soft spot in my heart for CRS and  a sense of pride in the work of my Church as it brings the Gospel to life by assisting the poor. Whether being on the scene in disaster relief or assisting in the development of impoverished peoples, CRS has been working for over seventy-five years as the international outreach of the U. S. Catholic Church.

My first preaching assignment for CRS is in November and only twenty-five miles away. It will be a great opportunity to get my feet wet as a preacher for what CRS calls their "Global Fellows" program.



Pakistanis, homeless after an earthquake



The motive is twofold: to help Catholics understand what CRS does in their name and to seek prayerful support. I know Catholics are generous and I know they will want to respond by taking CRS into their hearts.

Photo: sxc.hu/ Mani098, 977164