CRS empowers Hispanic communities in living the faith

On Saturday, Oct. 14, an enlightening informative talk, titled “Living Our Faith,” took place at the Diocese of Metuchen. This event delved into the mission of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the principles of Catholic social teaching, and explored opportunities for the Hispanic community to actively participate.

Leading this dialogue was William Becerra, an advisor to CRS in National Hispanic Engagement, who emphasized CRS’s commitment to living the faith into meaningful, impactful actions.

Catholic Relief Services has been a pioneer in endorsing transformative initiatives for more than eight decades, with a positive impact on over 225 million participants across 122 countries globally, as emphasized by Becerra.

Notably, CRS’s approach is far from one-size-fits-all, as its programs are tailored to meet the unique requirements of the diverse populations it serves on four continents, a detail that may be unfamiliar to many in our Catholic community, as highlighted by Becerra during his discussion

As the official international agency of the Catholic Church in the United States, CRS collaborates with more than 1,735 partners. Their diverse programs include emergency response, HIV support, healthcare, agriculture, clean water initiatives, education, microfinance, peace building, and partnerships. These initiatives empower communities, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainability and the development of the younger generation, thereby fostering community growth and expanding educational and employment opportunities.

Some of the videos presented by Becerra demonstrated the tangible improvements these programs have brought to communities in Africa and a Central American country.

Becerra explained that CRS operates through an integral human development program, empowering communities while respecting their culture, lands, and resources. Local leaders receive expert guidance and counseling to support these efforts.

Becerra summarized CRS’s mission by emphasizing the promotion of full human development, empowering communities and individuals to excel. He stated: “We help communities not because they are Catholics but because we are.”

CRS’s overseas work is carried out through regional offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In the United States, CRS collaborates with Catholic individuals, parishes, and dioceses, supporting them as they live out their faith in solidarity with the less fortunate and advocating for just and peaceful societies.

CRS, as a pro-life organization, is dedicated to upholding the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. It strives to protect, defend, and advance human life and dignity globally by meeting basic needs and advocating for solutions to injustice. This includes promoting policies centered on the well-being of individuals and fostering a global awareness of the respect for human dignity.

As part of the Universal Church, CRS values its partnerships with Catholic institutions and other partners. The organization maintains a rigorous review system, overseen by its board of bishops and laypersons, to ensure fidelity to Catholic moral teachings.

How can you get involved with CRS in the United States? One well-known initiative is the Rice Bowl campaign, which receives significant support from many Catholic schools and parishes every year. There are also specific advocacy efforts and charitable actions you can participate in.

Additionally, CRS is structured into chapters in the U.S., referred to as ‘Communities of Solidarity.’ These chapters have experienced growth, with increased participation from the Hispanic community. Their goals include promoting solidarity, and encouraging engagement in campaigns to support CRS’s programs. They also establish relationships with members of Congress and local governments, advocating for policies that protect, champion, and uphold the dignity of individuals worldwide.

Becerra stated that the invitation to become a member of the Communities of Solidarity is open. Bilingual meetings and advocacy training are available to assist individuals who wish to become involved in supporting CRS’s mission.