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!

We will celebrate the Centennial occasion locally at our Annual Charity Wine Tasting Event in Great Bend, Kansas on April 16, 2010 from 6 to 10 p.m.

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.

Look with us to the future by endorsing our campaign to cut poverty in half by 2020.

Revisit this web page again throughout the year for additional Centennial activities.