Each year on the Fourth Sunday of Lent we take up a collection to aid the poorest of the poor throughout the world.  We recognize those suffering in other countries as our sisters and brothers in Christ, and we reach out to them in their needs.  The Church is called to be the living sign of the unity of the human family, with God as the Father of us all and Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior and Brother.  We are called in solidarity with our neighbors all over the world who share a common faith heritage.  This is done in response to our Lord telling us that what we do to the least of our sisters and brothers, we do to Him.
There is on-going famine in Sudan and Northern Africa and desperate needs in parts of Afghanistan for food and relief.  Then there are those suffering from ethnic strife in parts of Eastern Europe, the Mid-East and parts of Asia, leaving them homeless and without food or shelter.  The current needs are great.
Our biggest concerns are rising prices and economic stability.  Yes, we too have needs.  But our sisters and brothers needs are about the basic everyday needs of just getting something to eat and having a place to find shelter.

Our American Bishops, along with the Bishops of the peoples who need funds the most, will receive all the funds raised.  No funding shall be channeled through any government agencies, where someone might siphon-off some for themselves.  This aid can go directly to those who need it.  In fact, we Catholic Christians should take pride that the Catholic Relief Services ranks as one of the largest and most efficient relief and development agencies in the world, and is at work in over 80 countries.

Please be as generous as possible this weekend.