Our Mission

"The Catholic Church Extension Society strengthens the Church's presence and mission in under-resourced and isolated communities across the United States."

This defines our purpose and gives meaning to what we do. This mission statement succinctly outlines what we do and who we serve. At the same time it remains consistent with the intentions of Catholic Extension and its founders at our origin in 1905. This mission, this purpose, is grounded in the work of Mission America, in the end the reason for our work.

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.