Photo Gallery

The Catholic Church Extension Society exists to sustain and extend the Catholic Faith in poor and remote mission areas of the United States where diocesan resources are insufficient. Catholic Extension builds national awareness and raises funds for the Church's needs in these communities so as to enable the essential mission of Catholic evangelization.

Take a trip with us down memory lane back to the turn of the century when 9 out of every 10 rural communities had no Catholic Church. Catholics in these areas struggled to practice their faith without church buildings and even priests.

A dream more than 20 years in the making was realized with the dedication of the new St. Anthony Church in Mandaree, N.D. this summer. The new church, built with assistance from a Catholic Extension grant, reflects the culture of the tribes it serves.

Beyond the breathtaking sights of Arizona and New Mexico lie some of the poorest Catholic communities of our country in the Diocese of Gallup. The diocese, which straddles the northern quadrants of Arizona and New Mexico, faces challenges of extreme weather and poverty.

The South Carolina coast is known for its beaches and resorts that attract millions of tourists each year. Life on these islands is in stark contrast to the nearby resort towns. Utilities like water, sewer and electricity for the coastal resorts are laid right past the homes of longtime residents who are too poor to tap into them.

Sister Vera Butler, PBVM, was announced as Catholic Church Extension Society’s 29th Annual Lumen Christi (Light of Christ) Award recipient at Holy Name Cathedral’s Joseph Bernardin Parish Center on September 23rd by Catholic Extension President Bishop William R. Houck.