Catholic Charitable Works

Catholic Charities is the largest private nonprofit provider of charitable work in the United States only surpassed by the federal government, and the overall charitable work of the Roman Catholic Church is thought by many to be the largest source of charitable help in the world.

For many years, committed Catholics have struggled with the wandering missions of many of its most historical charitable efforts, but lately, that has begun to change, as this story from the Catholic News Agency reports on the changes in one of the largest of them, Caritas.

An excerpt.

“Rome, Italy, May 24, 2011 / 11:35 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The goal of a new slogan adopted by the Vatican’s official charity is being called “unrealistic” by the Church official charged with overseeing the organization.

“Cardinal Robert Sarah said he doesn’t understand Caritas International’s new theme –

“One Human Family – Zero Poverty,” which was unveiled at the charity’s annual meeting this week in Rome.

“I think it would be wise not to follow some unrealistic slogans. But, I'm very hesitant to understand what zero poverty means, because Christ said we will always have the poor. So, what is a realistic way we can fight the poverty? But, it's difficult to absolutely cancel out poverty,” he told CNA May 22.

“The slogan is both the theme for this week’s conference and for the organization’s strategic document for the next four years.

“The cardinal’s comments come at a difficult time for Caritas. The organization faces criticism from Cardinal Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, and others for a perceived lack of Catholic identity.

“Earlier this year, the Vatican blocked Caritas’ current general secretary, Lesley-Anne Knight, from running for re-appointment to her post. The charity’s governance is also being revamped to give Vatican officials more control over its work.

“Cardinal Sarah alluded to these concerns in his opening remarks at the Caritas meeting on Sunday, which was attended by roughly 300 delegates.

“I believe it is important to understand that our charitable organizations are located within the Church and not alongside her,” he said.

“A Caritas that wasn’t an ecclesial expression would have no meaning or existence. The Church cannot be considered as a partner of Catholic organizations. They are the organizations that take part in her mission.”

“He also stressed that the agency’s work is “not merely philanthropic” but above all “entails giving back to human persons all their dignity as children of God.”