History
Before the
founding of this nation, Catholic missionaries and religious orders provided
charitable care for sick, widowed, or orphaned settlers. These caregivers
were the first Catholic "charities."
By 1900, more than 800 Catholic
institutions provided care to needy people, dependent children, prisoners,
elders, sick people, and people with disabilities. Significant milestones of
organized Catholic charitable works include:
- 1727 - Ursuline nuns took in orphans.
- 1809 - Sister Elizabeth Seton opened an orphanage and free school for
poor children.
- 19th Century - Ethnic parishes provided neighborhood services.
- 19th century - Religious orders established child care and aging
institutions.
In 1910, a group of Catholic social service
providers, motivated by a need to "bring about a sense of solidarity,"
convened the first National Conference of Catholic Charities whose mission
in part was to be the "attorney for the poor." The organization that later
would be called Catholic Charities USA was born.
The initial convening established a network of Catholic Charities
bureaus. In 1922, there were 35 bureaus across the nation. In 1937, there
were 68. Today, more than 1,400 agencies, institutions, and organizations
make up the Catholic Charities network. One advantage to the newfound
network was that services and information could be provided on a national
level.
With the publication of the Cadre Study in 1972, the organization
renewed its mission: to provide quality services for people in need, to
advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire Church and
other people of good will to do the same.
As Catholic Charities USA heads toward a new century, the organization,
through a three-year planning process called Vision 2000, is once again
renewing itself. But its purpose remains constant: to reduce poverty,
support families, and build communities.
Catholic Charities USA's mission is:
- to provide quality service for people in need,
- to advocate for justice in social structures, and
- to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the
same.
|
