Our Mission

"Catholic Extension strengthens the church's presence and mission in under-resourced communities across the United States."

Catholic Extension provides funding and resources to under-resourced dioceses and parishes through programs and services investing in people, infrastructure and ministries. This support is given based on need, passion and commitment to the growth of the Catholic faith. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has distributed nearly $500 million to communities across America.

Catholic Extension uniquely contributes to the growth and vibrancy of the church in the United States by strategically investing in under-resourced Catholic communities to unleash the power of faith that transforms hearts and lives and society.

Our Vision Statement

"We envision a church where all Catholics in under-resourced and isolated areas of the country have the opportunity to experience excellence in church life and ministry."

We have set before us a dream, an ideal set of desired outcomes to inspire, energize and assist all connected to Catholic Extension as we move forward.

This vision also demands a dynamic, collaborative understanding of the experiences we call excellent church. One can define multiple aspects of excellent church life and ministry, from liturgy and prayer, to culture and language, to facilities and pastoral leadership, to preaching and cultural sensitivity, and more. None diminishes another and all provide inspiration to this vision.

Each element of the excellent experience of church becomes part of the spiritual journey we all share, deepening our knowledge of God and giving witness to God in the diverse ways we live our lives. Where there is excellent Church, the Gospel is preached by word and example. People know it because their very lives become transformed.