Diocese of Joliet seeking applicants for anti-poverty grants

The Diocese of Joliet is accepting applications for Catholic Campaign for Human Development grants through May 1. The diocese is opening up the process to parish-based projects for the first time.

The campaign is the national anti-poverty initiative of the U.S. Catholic bishops, working to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ "... to bring glad tidings to the poor ... liberty to captives ... sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free." (Luke 4:18).

The program is committed to supporting organizations or parish-based programs working to break the cycle of poverty and improve their communities. Catholics in the Diocese of Joliet and across the country make annual contributions to Catholic Campaign for Human Development to fund the grants.

Applicant organizations or parishes may request grants of up to $3,500, and their initiatives must focus on at least one of the seven corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. Applicants must also adhere to Catholic social teaching.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is housed in the Department of Catechesis and Evangelization -- Ministries of Mercy. For more information or to request an application, email or call Tanya Singh, Ministries of Mercy Advisor, at tsingh@dioceseofjoliet.org or (815) 221-6128.

Applications should then be emailed or mailed to Singh at tsingh@dioceseofjoliet.org or mailed to Tanya Singh, Ministries of Mercy Advisor, Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, Blanchette Catholic Center, 16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403-8719.

A diocesan CCHD review committee will examine the applications, make site visits beginning in May, and notify grantees of an award by July 1.