Giving Beyond St. Theresa

As a parish, we understand that our generosity and charity should reach beyond the needs of our parish to those of our sisters and brothers in need within the parish, in our city, across the nation, and around the globe. Individual charitable giving is one way we live out the gospel call to love our neighbors. Certainly, there are hundreds of Catholic, Christian, and secular helping agencies working with everyone from the homeless to the addicted, the trafficked, the mentally ill, and so many more. The following are some agencies worthy of support should you be looking beyond the parish itself to share some of your financial blessings.

• Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is our ecumenical partner in providing care and service to the poor in our area. When someone comes to St. Theresa in need of food, clothing, utilities, rent support, school supplies, medical needs, hygiene items, etc., those needs are met through the wonderful partnership of CCSC. We are one of 39 churches that have banded together to serve those in need with support for children, job training, and more. Contact CCSC at https://ccschouston.org or 713-961-3993.

• Casa Juan Diego/Houston Catholic Worker is located within the parish and has assisted the poor, including documented and undocumented immigrants seeking shelter and safety from violence and human trafficking. Casa Juan Diego can be reached at https://cjd.org or 713-869-7376.

• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is the archdiocesan social service ministry that provides a variety of services such as food distribution, clothing, emergency financial assistance, veterans assistance, disaster recovery, refugee services, senior services, and so much more. Contact Catholic Charities at https://catholiccharities.org or 713-526-4611.

• Magnificat Houses, Inc. owns and operates 16 homes around the city that provide temporary to extended stay housing for some of our community’s chronically homeless, those with mental health challenges, and those recently released from prison sentences. Expressive of the corporal works of mercy, Magnificat Houses offers numerous other services beyond sheltering the homeless, including hunger relief and skills training. Contact Magnificat Houses at mhihouston.org or 713-529-4231.

• Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the premier Catholic nonprofit serving in the international arena. Catholic Relief Services workers and programs can work in every corner of the world where poverty, war, or natural disasters exist. As one of the world’s most trusted and respected helping agencies, you can be assured that donated dollars positively impact where there is a need. Contact Catholic Relief Services at https://support.crs.org or 877-435-7277.

When hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and fires devastate communities across the U.S., one immediate resource for short-term and long-term recovery efforts is the diocesan Catholic Charities. Every diocese in the US has a Catholic Charities arm that becomes immediately engaged when disaster strikes. In each case, a diocese is easy to find by searching “What diocese is (enter a city here) located in?” Once you know the diocese, search the name of the diocese plus Catholic Charities, and you will find where to give.

Catholics are called to share our abundance with those in need. Perhaps some of these options will become your go-to places for support when you are touched or called to give. Also, many of these charities present great opportunities to volunteer as well!