Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony
Archbishop of Los Angeles

September 2004

Dear Friends:

Almost twenty years ago, Pope John Paul II published an encyclical, Solicitudo Rei Socialis, addressing the urgent social needs and grave problems of the contemporary world. His Holiness asked his readers to “face squarely the reality of an innumerable multitude of people - children, adults and the elderly - in other words, real and unique human persons, who are suffering under the intolerable burden of poverty. There are many millions who are deprived of hope…” (SRS, 1987, 3: 13). Sadly, these words continue to be true today, in days filled with new tragedies and afflictions.

Yet, the Scriptures remind us that our God is the “God of hope” who fills us “with all joy and peace” (Romans 15:30). It is the mission of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles to create hope for the most impoverished and vulnerable members of our society by providing them with help and care. The agency’s staff members and volunteers work tirelessly in numerous community centers, homeless shelters, immigration offices, and food pantries dispersed throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, from San Pedro to Lancaster, from Santa Maria to Pomona.

Established in 1919, Catholic Charities provides assistance to the poorest and most desperate residents of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, who live below the threshold of poverty, in danger of losing all hope. In 2003, over 85% of people who came to the agency for aid had an annual income of less than $13,000 per year. Catholic Charities assisted over 220,000 different individuals, including over 100,000 children, who left Catholic Charities’ offices feeling better and more hopeful than when they came in, seeking help.

Through the efforts of Catholic Charities, working in collaboration with numerous individuals, agencies, foundations and organizations, the most afflicted people in our area have a chance of regaining hope. We thank you for your commitment to helping the poor and for your role in creating hope by assisting Catholic Charities in its noble task.

Asking the Lord’s blessings upon you, and with every best wish, I am,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

His Eminence
Cardinal Roger Mahony
Archbishop of Los Angeles

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