In 1727, almost 50 years before the American Revolution, a group of French Ursuline Sisters arrived in New Orleans and opened an orphanage.

By the 1900s, more than 800 Catholic institutions had sprung up to care for the needs of the poor. Many of those who were served included immigrants, children, individuals who were disabled and/or sick, and aging men and women.

In 1910, representatives from this Catholic Charity Network gathered in Washington D.C. for the first time for a National Conference of Catholic Charities.This Conference has been meeting ever since, and in 1986, it became known as Catholic Charities USA.

Those early representatives of the Catholic Charity Network set out to establish solidarity, not just for themselves, but especially on behalf of their efforts to be the "attorney for the poor."

This year, as Catholic Charities USA reaches its 100th anniversary, it is recognized as one of the nation's largest social service networks, with 90% of every dollar going directly to programs and services.

Catholic Social Service in the Diocese of Dodge City is proud to a member of Catholic Charities USA, and proud to be a part of the 100 year tradition of serving those most in need.

Join us as we celebrate the occasion!

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) designated September 26, 2010 as National Catholic Charity Sunday, and a Eucharistic Celebration will take place at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., just steps away from the very first conference. On that day, we'll be participating in the same celebration here in southwest Kansas.

In the meantime, look with us to the future by endorsing our campaign to cut poverty in half by 2020.

And pray with us always in the words of our Catholic Charities Centennial Prayer:

God of Justice, ancient and new,

From the beauty of sacred creation,
Through the covenant to the cross,
The movement of your Spirit in history
Brought order out of chaos,
Voiced liberation for people through prophets,
And gave life through the suffering and death
Of your Son Jesus Christ.

Through the birth of your Church,
The movement of your Spirit in time
Brought forth a Body of faithful people,
Shaped by the story of your great love,
And commissioned for the service of justice and peace.

We ask you to send this same Spirit upon us
As we celebrate the centennial of Catholic Charities USA.

Form and fashion us to be the movement of your Spirit,
Bringing your love to a weary and worn world.
Renew us in heart, home and heritage.
Deepen our commitment to serve those most in need
With the gifts and passion of staff, volunteers and benefactors.

Bless and bring all of us to the fullness of your love
That celebrates the life and dignity of all your people.

We ask this through our Savior Jesus Christ,Who lives and reigns with you
In the movement of your Spirit,
One God forever, and ever, Amen.

2009 Catholic Charities USA