Why Give to Catholic Extension?

In 1905, Catholic Extension was founded with a mission to build churches and extend the Catholic faith in frontier America. Since then, we’ve partnered with our generous donors to strengthen and support the Catholic Church in every corner of the United States.

Together, we extend our hands to poor mission dioceses as they work to build up vibrant, flourishing faith communities. By supporting the people, ministries and building projects that extend our faith, you are impacting the lives and hearts of Catholics in the far reaches of our country.

Without our donors, there would be no Catholic Extension. Because of this, we strive to keep our donors well informed about the difference their gifts make, are committed to being good stewards of all donations. Of each donor gift we receive, 86 percent is invested in the faith communities that need it most. Together, in a multitude of ways, we’re building faith, inspiring hope and igniting change in poor mission dioceses, and sending the Catholic Church into a vibrant, sustainable future.

It is with deep gratitude and a commitment to this partnership that we offer our promise to donors.

Stories of Faith

People are at the heart of Catholic Extension's mission. While we provide the resources to meet the needs of our mission dioceses, it is Spirit-led Catholics in these areas who are unleashing the power of faith in their communities. Our team members travel across the country to meet these Catholics whose lives and hearts have been touched by Catholic Extension support. They share with us the stories of their challenges and their successes first hand, and their abundant faith serves as an inspiring reminder of our work and our mission. When you give a gift, you become an integral part of these stories. Read on to discover the specific ways our donors are building faith, inspiring hope and igniting change in faith communities from Alaska to Virginia, and discover the many ways that you too can make an impact.

Stories of Faith

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The Cry of the Poor

Sister Nancy Crafton hears and meets the needs of Colorado’s migrant workers - Recently, the Catholic Extension team visited El Centro de Los Pobres (meaning, “The Center for the Poor”), in the small town of Avondale, Colorado. For 29 years, Los Pobres has been the only charitable facility serving...

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Seminarian Support

Celebrate a new springtime for the Catholic Church in America - There is exciting news in our country’s mission dioceses. At a time when most Catholics think that the priest shortage has reached near-epidemic proportions, mission dioceses have actually seen increased seminarian enrollment—by approximately 10 percent over the past 10 years...
 

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The Heart of the Matter

Healthy Marriages, Healthy Families in the Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico -With the divorce rate on the island of Puerto Rico hovering near 60 percent and more and more young people rushing in and out of relationships, Carlos Torrado knew something had to be done.

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Blessed are the Poor

A Sister’s ministry brings hope to migrant workers and their families. - Just minutes away from the prosperous California coast, Salinas Valley is a whole different landscape. Nicknamed “America’s Salad Bowl,” the fertile soil of this famous valley produces bountiful harvests of lettuce, spinach, strawberries and more, all destined for dinner tables across the nation.

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Special Delivery

St. Gianna’s Maternity Home provides love, support and shelter. - St. Gianna’s Maternity Home in Warsaw, North Dakota brings St. Francis’ words to life. For ten years, women facing unplanned pregnancies have come to the tiny town in the Diocese of Fargo. Here, in the Home, they find a welcoming community, offering gentle guidance and the support they need to have their babies.

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In Their Own Words: Why Our Donors Give to Catholic Extension

"It's good to share in the "extension" of the Catholic faith to people in need of help with facilities, and support of their priests."

- John, St Joseph, Ogden, Utah

"It's comforting for me to know that throughout the U.S. where there is spiritual need, an organization such as Catholic Extension is effective in providing such spiritual services and places of worship in poor dioceses here in our own country."

- Marilyn, St. Anne Parish, Seattle

"I value the hard work and front line effort to promote Christ in word and deed in the parts of America that many forget. I am inspired by the courage of Catholic Extension's recipients and grateful for their endurance. "

- Steven, St. Richard

"I think Catholic Extension is a great way to remind us that missions are right here in our backyard, and that we need to support our Catholic brothers and sisters who may not otherwise be able to nuture their faith."

- Bob and Kelly, Saints Faith Hope and Charity

"I love my Catholic faith! Although there have been more than a few rough times over the years raising six children and helping with nine grandchildren. I consider myself blessed. When I see so many parishes struggling to help with the most basic spiritual and economic needs of many souls, I know I must help. I also know you are very effective. May God continue to Bless your efforts."

- Charles, St. Joseph

"I believe you provide a very needed service for areas of this country that would falter in taking part in the prayers and rituals of the Catholic faith. It is difficult to practice your faith when you are a minority."

- Joan, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Centerport

"Catholic Extension is the foremost organization providing assistance to America's mission areas. Extension Magazine provides good feedback on stewardship of funds received, showing that contributions are carefully and efficiently utilized."

- George, St. Mary's, Georgetown, MA

"I give to Catholic Extension because of the great amount of help that organization has given to so large a number of needy parishes in this country over the many years they have been in operation."

- Delpha, St. Ann's, Canyon, TX

"I value the hard work and front line effort to promote Christ in word and deed in the parts of America that many forget. I am inspired by the courage of Catholic Extension's recipients and grateful for their endurance."

Steven A. - Giving since 2005

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Your gift to Catholic Extension is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Catholic Extension is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.