One the beneficiaries of CCHD funds is the Pua Foundation, which helps formerly incarcerated women transition back into society. (HCH Photo: Anna Weaver)
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
“Let us give thanks to the Father … he delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” (Colossians 1:12, second reading for the Feast of Christ the King)
On Nov. 24, the Solemnity of Christ the King, our diocese will have the U.S. bishops’ annual national second collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). Your support for this very important collection helps empower vulnerable people living in poverty to transform their families and communities into reflections of the Kingdom of God. Today more than 46 million people in the United States live in poverty.
CCHD is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by funding community programs that encourage people in need to join together to make decisions, seek solutions and find ways to improve their lives in alignment with Catholic Social Teaching. You are essential to its success. Your generous donations will provide the poor and the vulnerable with the support they need to make a positive and lasting change in their lives.
Here in Hawaii, CCHD has supported a wide range of projects, working with the most vulnerable. For example, CCHD has helped HOPE Services Hawaii, Inc., be instrumental in responding to the needs of the homeless and victims from natural disasters on the Big Island. CCHD grants have also helped the Pu‘a Foundation assist women returning from prison successfully re-enter their communities around the state, and Honolulu Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families build and own affordable housing. Please remember that 25% of the collection’s proceeds stay in our diocese to build the Kingdom of God with some of the most vulnerable on our islands.
I strongly encourage all to give generously to this CCHD collection as a way to witness to Jesus. Mahalo, and God bless you!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Larry Silva
Bishop of Honolulu