THE MISSION OF
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official overseas relief
and development agency of the U. S. Catholic community. It was
founded more than 60 years ago by the Catholic Bishops of the
United States. Its fundamental motivating force is the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and the principles of Catholic social teaching.
Collaborating with the local Catholic Church, partner agencies
and communities, CRS works to alleviate human suffering, promote
sustainable development, further justice and support
peace-building initiatives in nearly 100 countries. It assists people on the basis of need, not creed,
race or nationality.
Even
while responding to emergencies, CRS supports more tan 2,000
projects, building local capacity to find long term solutions to
development and peace.
Catholic Relief Services gives active witness to the mandate of
Jesus Christ to respond to human needs by:
-
responding to victims of natural and man-made disasters
-
providing assistance to the poor to alleviate their
immediate needs
-
supporting self-help programs which involve people and
communities in their own development
-
helping those it serves to restore and preserve their dignity
and to realize their potential
-
collaborating with religious and non-sectarian persons and
groups of goodwill in programs and projects which contribute
to a more equitable society
-
helping to educate the people of the United States to
fulfill their moral responsibilities in alleviating human
suffering, removing its causes and promoting social justice
GOAL STATEMENT
In May of 2005, CRS and Villanova University signed
a Memorandum of Understanding, a formal agreement to work
collaboratively to advance global solidarity through education,
research, advocacy and service.
The goal of the CRS/Villanova partnership is to form a
mutually consultative collaboration that will be integrated into
the structures of each institution in conformity with each
institution's culture. The partnership will lead to clear
outcomes that include more knowledgeable and empowered
constituencies who:
-
are
formed by Catholic social thought and tradition
-
live their faith in solidarity with one human family
-
are
more aware of the poor overseas and in the United States
-
take advantage of greater opportunities to engage on issues
of social justice
-
understand and appreciate diversity of other cultures
-
have an international perspective
Memorandum
of Understanding, 3.1 (2005)
