My Archbishop and what he says about CCHD

It's time for that 2nd collection for CCHD which in recent years has been very controversial. And we all can agree that massive mistakes in the past have been made but much reform has been implemented. Perhaps more needs to be done but there seems to be those critics that will never believe in CCHD. Of course many of these folks don't believe in bishops. But I digress. As a Catholic in the Archdiocese of New Orleans I look to my shepherd and this is what Archbishop Aymond has to say:

"The collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development will be held Nov. 20-21 in our archdiocese. CCHD carries out Jesus' mission to bring glad tidings to the poor...to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free. (Luke 4:18).

Shortly after the oil tragedy in the Gulg began, the bishops of the United States allocated funds specifically for groups working to empower people in the most highly affected areas along the Gulf Coast. Here in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, CCHD provided much-needed support to three organizations: the United Commercial Fisherman's Association, the Louisiana Oysterman's Association and the Louisiana Bucket Brigade. Both the United Commercial Fisherman's Association and the Louisiana Oysterman Association are working directly with those most affected by the spill to advocate for just solutions to the challenges they face. Meanwhile, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade is empowering citizens to report sightings of oil or the scent of oil.

In addition to these special emergency grants, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development funds both the Micah Project and the Latino Farmers Cooperative of Louisiana. Micah works with churches throughout the New Orleans area to find the most pressing needs of the community and how to best address these needs. One Micah local organizing ministry is working to ensure that the community has input on the educational priorities of local schools. The Latino Farmers Cooperative is working for equal access to food for all people regardless of their race or ethnicity.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that there exists also sinful inequalities that affect millions of men and women. These are in open contradiction to the Gospel: their equal dignity as persons demands that we strive for fairer and more humane conditions. Excessive economic and social disparity between individuals and peoples of the one human race is a source of scandal and militates against social justice, equity, human dignity, as well as social and international peace. (CCC 1938 and Gaudium et Spes no. 29). Please take the opportunity this Nov. 20 and 21 to contribute to the efforts of CCHD as we strive for more fairer and more humane conditions for all people. For more information about CCHD and the groups it funds, please visit www.usccb.org/nationalcollections.

Wishing you God's blessings and the assurance of my prayers, I am
Sincerely in Christ,
Most reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans

>>>Now in addition to this stirring endorsement by a Bishop I trust, I also want to mention the efforts of the CCHD under the leadership of Bishop Roger Morin. One who criticizes CCHD still should inform themselves of his eforts to reform CCHD and see the video of his speech today. On a personal note, I know Bishop Morin, I have assisted Him at Mass. This is a good man, smart and faithful.

For me PERSONALLY, I'll line up behind Archbishop Aymond and Bishop Morin, and support CCHD.