STRENGTHENING THE CHURCH AT HOME he Catholic Home mean they might not be able to send Kalamazoo, Michigan. Over Missions Appeal their children to a Catholic school. the past 20 years, the Hispanic Tsupports dioceses in the The diocese runs four schools on population has almost tripled in size, United States and its territories that two of the four islands. All four growing by 278 percent. During the lack the resources to provide basic schools struggle financially—tuition harvest season, some parishes double pastoral ministry to their populations. covers less than 75 percent of the in attendance. But other workers are Through annual grants, Catholic budget—and many of the students unable to get to a parish to attend Home Missions funds catechesis, ask for financial assistance. A grant Mass, since many of the work camps seminarian education, lay ministry from Catholic Home Missions helps are located in extremely rural areas. training, Hispanic ministry, and other keep the Catholic schools open, There is a tremendous need for pastoral programs in needy dioceses. allowing the children of the island Spanish-speaking deacons and priests As a result of parishioners’ generosity, to be educated in an environment to bring the sacraments to the people. Catholic Home Missions impacts the where they are also able to grow in Funds from the Appeal support the lives of nearly 9 million Catholics. their faith. diocese’s migrant ministry program, The dioceses funded by the Appeal which is run by 6 part-time priests, 3 comprise nearly 45 percent of all Migrant ministry presents the deacons, 2 staff members, and over U.S. dioceses. greatest need in the Diocese of 160 volunteers from 14 parishes. This group makes a coordinated In the U.S. Virgin Islands, effort to reach out to the a jar of mayonnaise can 2012 Distribution of Funding migrant workers and their cost $9.00. Everything must families and serve their be imported, which raises spiritual and material needs. the price of food. Outside the island resorts, most Through your donations, people rely on gathered home mission dioceses like rainwater for their daily St. Thomas and Kalamazoo needs. Without sufficient will receive the resources rainfall, inhabitants must they need to support their purchase water. Electricity parishes and strengthen costs four times what it the Church at home. does on the U.S. mainland. Your gift today is an act For people in the Diocese of solidarity with your of St. Thomas, the high struggling brothers and cost of living and limited sisters in Christ. Thank you! employment opportunities CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL Office of National Collections 3211 Fourth Street NE • Washington, DC 20017-1194 202-541-3400 • fax 202-541-3460 • www.usccb.org/nationalcollections Copyright © 2014, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo credits: © 123RF, iStock Photo, Corbis Images, Agnus Images. 30200414.