Bishops' overseas appeal renamed Catholic Relief Services collection

Published: 2004-12-30

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The national collection known as the American Bishops' Overseas Appeal has been renamed the Catholic Relief Services collection, reflecting a more focused effort to support emergency relief, human development and peace initiatives around the world. Last year, the collection brought in nearly $15 million to help support the work of CRS and other Catholic agencies engaged in international emergency relief, refugee resettlement, legal immigration, peacemaking, pastoral care and advocacy for a more just and peaceful world. The other agencies include the U.S. bishops' Migration and Refugee Services and Department of Social Development and World Peace and the Holy Father's Relief Fund. The Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc., which provides legal assistance to poor immigrants, also will be supported by the collection, beginning in 2005. Held nationally during the weekend that includes the fourth Sunday of Lent -- March 5-6 in 2005 -- the collection previously has been called the Laetare Sunday collection and the Bishops' Welfare and Emergency Relief collection.

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