With Catholic Charities USA celebrating its 100th anniversary Sept. 25-28 during its annual convention in Washington, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, proclaimed Sunday, Sept. 26, as Catholic Charities Sunday throughout the Diocese of Peoria.

In the Diocese of Peoria, Catholic Charities was incorporated in 1942, though individual and group endeavors to help the poor and disadvantaged on behalf of the diocese date to its founding in 1877. The first diocesan orphanage, for example, was founded in Metamora by founding Bishop John Lancaster Spalding in 1880.

Bishop Jenky said Catholic Charities is “inspired by Christ” and his teachings as it “respects and defends the dignity of each individual through works of mercy and justice.”

Following is the full text of Bishop Jenky’s proclamation.

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DIOCESE OF PEORIA
Proclamation declaring Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 as “Catholic Charities Sunday”

WHEREAS, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops honor the Catholic Charities network for its century of commitment and service to millions of people each year in celebrating Catholic Charities USA’s centennial year; and

WHEREAS, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria, inspired by Christ and according to his teaching, and guided by the Holy Spirit, in recognition of the diversity of God’s people, respects and defends the dignity of each individual thorugh works of mercy and justice; and

WHEREAS, Catholic Charities exists to assist the Bishop of Peoria in carrying out the social mission of the Church, with special concern for the poor and vulnerable, to promote social justice and charity while affirming the value of life and the dignity of the human person; and

WHEREAS, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria has a rich heritage in social services, rooted in the Catholic faith; and provides a wide variety of services available to area residents regardless of age, gender, race, income, or religion; and

WHEREAS, Catholic Charities through its array of human services empowers, restores, and protects the foundations of church and society by supporting, educating, and organizing individuals, families and communities to act on their own behalf, and

WHEREAS, for more than 100 years Catholic Charities has served the communities of the Diocese of Peoria, providing help and creating hope; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of Catholic Charities is to administer, promote, supervise, and engage in charitable, welfare, and social service work in the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, and under the sponsorship of and in cooperation with the Bishop of the Diocese;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, Bishop of the Diocese of Peoria, do hereby proclaim that Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, is

Catholic Charities Sunday

AND FURTHERMORE, urge the faithful of the Diocese of Peoria and all people of good will to join in the work of serving those who are poor and vulnerable and to celebrate Christ’s loving presence in our world as exemplified by the work of Catholic Charities and the dedication of their Board, staff, and volunteers who remain committed to reaching out to all God’s children in their time of need.

Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, CSC
Bishop of Peoria