Letter from Bishop McKnight on CCHD Collection

November 10-11, 2018

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As a diocese, we will be taking up the national collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) the weekend of Nov. 17-18. Your support to this collection brings change to communities across the country and empowers those living in poverty to transform the places they live into reflections of the Kingdom of God.

Your support goes a long way in creating communities that are more just and welcoming to those who live trapped in the cycle of poverty. Support offered through this collection reaches those living on the margins and gives them a hand up, not a hand out.

In addition to making an impact nationally, those living in poverty in our own diocese are empowered by the 25 percent of the collection that stays here. The 25 percent in our diocese is carefully used for self-help projects that benefit our neighbors in need. Last year, we were able to provide grants to five nonprofit organizations in Fulton, Milan, Hannibal, Moberly and Jefferson City. The organizations chosen have programs that protect and provide compassionate care for those that might otherwise not receive it.

This collection makes a difference for people living in poverty across the United States and our local diocese. Please prayerfully consider how you are able to help CCHD this year. If you would like more information about the collection and the people it supports, visit www.usccb.org/cchd/collection.

Thank you for joining us to work on the margins.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. W. Shawn McKnight, S.T.D.

Bishop of Jefferson City