Denver Catholic

16 APRIL 13-26, 2019 | DENVER CATHOLIC PAID ADVERTISEMENT LEFT PAGE Cross Catholic Outreach's range of relief work to help the poor overseas continues to be recognized by a growing number of Catholic leaders in the U.S. and abroad. "We've received more than 100 endorsements from bishops and archbishops," explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach CCO. "They're moved by the fact that we've launched outreaches in almost 0 countries and have undertaken a variety of projects — everything from feeding the hungry and housing the homeless to supplying safe water and supporting educational opportunities for the poorest of the poor. The bishops have also been impressed by Cross Catholic Outreach's direct and meaningful response to emergency situations, most recently by providing food, medicines and other resources to partners in Haiti, El Salvador and areas of Belize impacted by natural disasters." Archbishop Thomas odi of Mobile, Alabama, supported this mission in a recent endorsement, writing "It is a privilege for me to support Cross Catholic Outreach. This organization funds ministries to our neighbors in need in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Pacific. Through the generosity of so many, the love of God is made visible to many who are coping with the most difficult of daily living conditions." In addition to praising CCO's accomplishments, many of the bishops and archbishops are encouraged that Pontifical canonical status was conferred on the charity in September 01, granting it approval as an official Catholic organization. This allows CCO to participate in the mission of the Church and to give a concrete witness to Gospel Charity, in collaboration with the Holy Father. "our work with the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development is a strong endorsement of your partnership with the work of the Universal Church," Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco said. "By providing hope to the faithful overseas by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, delivering medical relief to the sick, shelter to the homeless, and through self-help projects, you are embodying the Papal Encyclical Deus Caritas Est." Cross Catholic Outreach ndorsed by More Than 100 Bishops, Archbishops CCO's Outreach Priests visit U.S. parishes to share what the ministry is accomplishing. At 1 months old, Clara Luz could no longer eat solid foods without choking. It was the result of malnutrition, and her mother became desperate about the situation. She could see the fragile girl was growing weaker by the day, and she feared tiny Clara might soon slip away. Situations like that are tragically common in remote, rural Guatemala, where nearly half of the babies born each year suffer from chronic hunger — and many of those eventually fall prey to severe malnutrition. Fortunately, the faithful Capuchin Sisters at St. Joseph utrition Center learned about the situation and moved quickly to help. Thanks to their care, Clara was brought back from the brink. Today, with financial help from Cross Catholic Outreach, Sister Gloria and her team continue this life-sustaining mission. Support from American Catholics is enabling them to serve the neediest families in the area, feeding malnourished children until their health is restored, and then monitoring those little ones to ensure they continue to thrive at home. "The struggles of infants and toddlers in developing countries is heartbreaking — but their fate can be changed. These Catholic sisters have proven that, and we're proud to have empowered their mission by supplying food and medical items for their use," said James Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach. "Many of the infants and toddlers they help enter the Center at death's door, but the heroic sisters rescue them and restore them to health. It's a miraculous thing to see." It was the success of the St. Joseph utrition Center that led Cross Catholic Outreach to launch a national campaign in Catholic newspapers to bring awareness to the issue of infant mortality and the value of Catholic missions serving vulnerable children see story on opposite page. "Many American Catholics want to reach out to these suffering infants, but they didn't know how," Cavnar explained. "Our goal is to link these generous people with Catholic missions in need of funding and resources. There are many priests, nuns and Catholic lay leaders serving overseas who want to be a part of the solution, but they need regular supplies of food and medicines to sustain their outreaches. American Catholics can join Cross Catholic Outreach and supply that aid." Among the Catholic missions Cross hopes to fund in 019 is a program established to provide -hour care to at-risk babies in Ecuador. The program, run by nuns and volunteers, has requested food and medicines, and if American Catholics respond to Cross Catholic Outreach's appeal on their behalf, the charity can supply both. "With just a little help, overseas missions serving infants and toddlers can achieve great things," Cavnar said. "We just need to supply the food and other resources they need to succeed. Surely, we can work together to support them and bless these precious babies." Readers interested in supporting Cross Catholic Outreach can use the brochure inserted in this issue or send tax-deductible gifts to: Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC01442, PO Box 97168, Washington DC 20090-7168. The ministry has a special need for partners willing to make gifts on a monthly basis. Use the inserted brochure to become a Mission Partner or write Monthly Mission Partner on mailed checks to be contacted about setting up those arrangements. The impact relief efforts have on babies and toddlers is nothing short of miraculous. Infants rescued from remote villages enter the mission weak and emaciated, but nutritious food and loving care restores their health and transforms their lives. Catholic Missions Bring Malnourished Infants, Toddlers Back rom The Brink "Many American Catholics want to reach out to these suffering infants, but they don't know how." James Cavnar, President of Cross Catholic Outreach

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