As Catholics, we are called to respond to our brothers and sisters in need, in our own communities and around the world. We have compiled the following resources to assist you and your family in living lives of compassionate service to others. To share information on your favorite Catholic charity, email lisa@catholicmom.com with your suggestions.

Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. Jesus makes charity the new commandment. By loving his own "to the end," he makes manifest the Father's love which he receives. By loving one another, the disciples imitate the love of Jesus which they themselves receive. Whence Jesus says: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love." And again: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Catechism of the Catholic Church #1822-1823

Links and Resources:

Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Charities USA
Christian Foundation for Children and Aging
Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Ideas for Families:

- Pray as a family for the work of Catholic social service agencies throughout the world on a daily basis.
- Identify social justice agencies supported by your own parish and earmark family contributions for these purposes.
- Adopt a favorite Catholic social service agency and make regular volunteer and financial commitments to the work of that agency
- Once a quarter, go through closets, toys, books and other household goods and donate gently used items to local Catholic Charities USA organizations
- Support your local community food bank through donation of staple food items. Take your children with you to purchase food items and discuss how your donation will impact upon those in need.
- Sponsor a child or elder through CFCA and change a life.