Mission Statement

Mission statement

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We are motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching as we act to:

PROMOTE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies; and,

SERVE CATHOLICS IN THE UNITED STATES as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.

As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, we work with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, as well as other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality.

Approved by the Catholic Relief Services Board of Directors on September 11, 2008.

We put our faith into action to help the world’s poorest create lasting change.

Our faith knows no bounds. With abiding faith in God, who works through us and through our partners, there is no limit to what we can do in service to others. We share a tireless commitment to advocating for our marginalized sisters and brothers while uplifting the dignity of the human person. Together, we work towards long-term impact and sustainable transformation on a global scale. We will not stop until all of God’s children can fulfill their God-given potential amid thriving communities and just, peaceful societies.