Catholic Relief Services is motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is the official overseas relief and development agency of the Catholic Church. It is an organization of the United States Catholic Conference, the social action agency of the U.S. Catholic Bishops.

CRS assists people on the basis of need, not creed, is committed to helping the poorest of the poor reach self sufficiency, assists the needy in more than 73 Third World Countries, and works in partnership with local counterparts.

CRS uses 94% of its funds for overseas programs. This office is officially designated to receive contributions from Catholics and others in this diocese for worldwide CRS disaster appeals.

Materials on other CRS programs promoted and supported throughout the diocese, such as Operation Rice Bowl, Food Fast, Work of Human Hands, CRS Fair Trade, etc ., are available through the Diocesan Missions Office, located at 510 Ocean Avenue, Portland.

Thank you for supporting CRS Rice Bowl this Lent.

Continue the Journey: Walking with our Sisters and Brothers in Haiti

After addressing the most immediate needs in Port au Prince after the January 2010 earthquake, Catholic Relief Services initiated projects to develop rural economic opportunities for small-scale farming families and reduce the pressure to migrate to the already stressed capital in search of a better living.

Watch more CRS videos about their work in Haiti.

Before and after the devastating quake destroyed much of the capital city, one thing has been constant in Haitian life: the Catholic Church. Learn more.

Catholic Relief Services has a Haiti resources page which offers prayers, lesson plans, information and materials for parish partnerships, parishes, schools, youth groups, colleges and universities, and Catholic health care institutions to build solidarity with Haiti.

Learn about my trip to Burkina Faso & Mali

As one of twelve delegates from around the United States, I can't help but feel privileged to have met the people of Burkina Faso and Mali!

I invite you to journey with us through the Travel blog by David Aguillard, CCDBR Executive Director in Baton Rouge, LA.

Thank you for your support of our Brothers and Sisters in the developing world!

Ruth Oakley, Director of Missions/CRS Portland Maine

Listen to Interview on The Presence Radio Network, 106.7 FM / Reflections from My Trip / View Blog / View Video

Footsteps in Faith

Join Footsteps in Faith and become a regular monthly donor.

When you support Catholic Relief Services with regular monthly donations, you feed hungry families, help farmers grow better crops, educate children and provide villages the first clean water they've ever had.

Catholic Relief Services' Footsteps in Faith is a monthly giving program that allows you to embark on a spiritual journey with CRS and the poor.

[Learn more]

Celebration Gifts Weddings. First Communions. Baptisms. Birthdays. Mother's Day, Father's Day This time of year, our calendars are often filled with these joyous events. As you search for meaningful gifts to give loved ones receiving a holy sacrament or marking an important milestone, Catholic Relief Services invites you to honor those special people in your life by making a Celebration Gift in their name. To learn more about Celebration Gifts, watch this short video. Printed cards also available: 1-888-277-7575 .