On the weekend of Nov. 22 and 23, parishioners throughout the Diocese of Orange will be asked at weekend Masses to contribute to three important causes under a single banner: the National Needs Collection.
“This National Needs special collection has two great opportunities for the Diocese of Orange to share in the generosity of our parishioners,” says Diocese of Orange Chancellor Shirl Giacomi. “A total of 25 percent of the Campaign for Human Development funds stay in Orange County to support local projects. Last year, Justice in Education (which provides training, support and legal representation on behalf of families who have children with disabilities) and Orange County Congregation Community Organization (which works to empower the economically disadvantaged to transform their communities through education and advocacy) received local grants. Birth Choice and Restorative Justice received significant national grants. And 50 percent of all funds collected for the Catholic Communication Campaign also stays locally and is used to augment our diocesan communications effort.
“The Collection for Catholic University of America provides funding for academic scholarships. Students are enrolled from all of our 50 states and it is the only U.S. university conferring ecclesiastical degrees, which are accredited and certified by the Holy See. The University received its papal charter in 1887 from Pope Leo XIII.”