We’re working in solidarity with people to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities in America’s poorest regions.

Our Vision 

We seek to deepen and expand our commitment to Catholic faith communities by providing resources to develop leaders, ministries, and facilities while inviting more people across our country to invest in this work.

Our Promise To You

For more than 100 years, Catholic Extension Society has relied on the support of our generous donors. We are walking together on a journey to build faith, inspire hope and ignite change as we strengthen the Catholic Church in poor Extension dioceses across America.

Strengthening Ministries

We fund ministries that extend a basic church presence to the most under-resourced communities.

Educating Seminarians

In poor areas of the country, Catholic dioceses struggle to pay for seminarian formation. But thanks to our donors, men can answer God’s call to serve where they’re needed most.

Assisting Women Religious

We are proud to support extraordinary women religious in some of the poorest places in America by providing education, ministry and salary support.

Building Churches

Evolving or growing Catholic communities in poor areas need help to construct, expand and renovate critical facilities. We fund construction and renovation to ensure the physical presence of the Church in these communities.

Supporting the Future of the Catholic Church

The vibrancy and viability of a Catholic community largely depends on its ability to share the faith with the next generation. We help dioceses and parishes provide for the pastoral and faith formation needs of young Catholics.

Reaching Out to the Poor & Vulnerable

We support communities on the peripheries by providing funding for important Catholic social outreach ministries that enrich the lives of those who need it most.

Our Impact

We believe that faith communities are transformative — that they change who we are, how we live and how we see the possibilities in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.

  • 770+

    scholarships
    to Catholic universities given to lay leaders and religious sisters.

  • 1/5

    US Catholics
    live in areas supported by Catholic Extension Society.

  • 12,500

    grants
    provided for church buildings since 1905.

  • 550+

    seminarians in poor dioceses receiving annual assistance.

  • 2,000+

    grants
    awarded annually to dioceses.

“I want to say, with regret, that the worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care. The great majority of the poor have a special openness to the faith; they need God and we must not fail to offer them his friendship.” 

— Pope Francis

“It is my fervent belief that every Catholic in the United States is called to be involved in Catholic Extension Society. We have to be in this together. It is the glory of the Church that we are never better than when we see the face of Christ in the poor.“

— Father Jack Wall, President of Catholic Extension Society

That’s Why We’re Here.

We help to provide the poor with one of the most essential needs—a loving faith community. Fueled by the generous support of our donors, together we provide the life-restoring friendship of God and build communities of faith that are essential to the transformation of lives and society.

Where We Work

Our mission areas are identified as isolated and/or financially under-resourced dioceses in the United States.

  • 87

    Catholic dioceses distributed throughout United States

  • 35

    States and 5 territories receive help and sponsorship for their communities.

Support Our Work

Donate Now

YOU can change lives all across our country by bringing the compassion and love of Christ to the poor through Catholic Extension Society.

As a national organization with over 115 years of experience, Catholic Extension Society is in constant community with those that we serve. We have a deep understanding of the greatest needs and how you can make the biggest difference. Catholic Extension Society can ensure your support reaches those who need it most and we do so efficiently, transparently, and through the good work of the Catholic Church.

Together we can work to build up vibrant faith communities that are essential to the transformation of lives and society.