what is the Catholic Church charity program like?

Answer 1

The seven Corporal Works of Mercy toward our neighbor are based on Christ’s prophecy of the Last Judgment in Matthew 25:34:

Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ’Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, ’Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink?’

And the king will answer them, ’Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it to me.’

Just one form of the Corporal Works of Mercy is Catholic Charities USA who work to reduce and eliminate poverty, support families, and empower communities.

In 2005, Catholic Charities across the nation provided help for 7,449,119 (unduplicated) people regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

In all, 173 main Catholic Charities agencies and their 1,500 branches and affiliates provided a myriad of vital, community-based services 12,643,199 times.

Catholic Charities:
+ Provided Food Services to 5,677,257 people
+ Provided Housing Related Services to 591,757 people
+ Provided Other Basic Needs Services to 1,578,579 people

Other Facts about Catholic Charities
+ In 2005, Catholic Charities agencies reported that half of the people they serve live below the poverty level, compared to:
+ 46 percent in 2004
+ 40 percent in 2003
+ 43 percent in 2002

+ Nearly 90 cents of every dollar donated to Catholic Charities agencies goes directly to programs and services, making the Catholic Charities network one of the most efficient in the country.

+ The Catholic Charities network traces its origins back more than 275 years ago when in 1727 the French Ursuline Sisters opened an orphanage in New Orleans.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

I think they have a generous charity program. Though another answer is right in that a lot of the funds for The Society for the Propagation of the Faith go straight to Rome and support the lavish lifestyle of the Pope and his cronies. The most generous religious charity by far is The Southern Baptist Association they give out a ton of money to charitable causes often with no strings.

Answer 3

Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide provide vital social services to people in need, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds. This includes a wide range of needs including medical, food, housing, counseling, educational, etc. The sum total of all such services far exceeds similar services provided by all other churches combined.

Answer 4

I think they use the "trickle down" theory. The pope gets to live like a king, then a little, teeny, tiny bit trickles down. Most of its money is in banks or invested in expensive artworks, pricey real estate, etc. Not doing the poor much good, if any. I guess that's why religions want taxpayer money -- they don't want to part with what they get from the collection plates.

Answer 5

well, they don't go around blowing horns about it do they?
As it should be.