Social Outreach and Catholic Charity
After we’ve experienced the love and compassion of Christ ourselves, our only response can be to share it with others! We put our faith in action through our organized social outreach efforts and Catholic Charity.
Catholic charities are called to be more than a mere extension of government services or a replication of secular social service. Catholic charities are called to ministry. Catholic charities are amazing evangelization opportunities because they are places where we encounter people who need help – maybe on their worst day – and respond with the hope and love of Christ. We serve every person who walks through the doors, many of whom aren’t Catholic or Christian, because they have the human dignity of being made in the image and likeness of God. We see Christ in them. They need to see Christ in us. We put our faith in action and we do it by embracing and living the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and providing opportunities to encounter Jesus.
You are invited to participate in the ministry of our Catholic outreach ministries, which work to serve our neighbors in need.
Diocesan Sponsored Charities
Like parishes or schools, our Diocesan-Sponsored Charities are formal extensions of the Diocese of Columbus. They operate as 501c3 non-profit organizations which are Sole Member corporations. Staff from the Vicariate of Catholic Social Doctrine is appointed to formally serve on their governing boards.
Catholic Social Services
Since 1945, Catholic Social Services has been a source of compassion, dignity, and hope for those Christ calls us to serve throughout our community. Serving over 11,000 individuals annually, our mission is supported by dedicated volunteers who help seniors find connection, guide families towards a brighter future, and assist persons with disabilities find new freedom. Rooted in the belief that every person reflects the image of God, we journey together as neighbors, empowering individuals to shape their own futures with our unwavering support. Today our team of 75 staff members, hundreds of volunteers, and partners serve from 17 locations in central and southern Ohio.
St Vincent Family Services
St. Vincent began as an orphanage in 1875, operated by the Franciscan Sisters of Stella Niagara on grounds donated to Bishop Rosecrans on the east side of Columbus. Today it operates as a pediatric behavioral health center, providing trauma-informed care to over 4,500 children from economically disadvantaged families on their Diocesan-owned campus each year. Services include same-day clinical appointments, a day school for students who would be expelled from their local school district, and a residential program where children needing extreme care live on-site 24/7.
Other Independent Organizations
St. Vincent de Paul Society
More than 50 parish-based St. Vincent de Paul conferences are active within the Diocese of Columbus, ministering in local communities. The Society is best known for helping neighbors in need during times of emergency through our assistance programs. Visit your local parish webpage for more information or visit the Diocesan Council website to get connected. https://www.svdpcolumbus.org/svdp_conferences
The Catholic Foundation
The Catholic Foundation exists to connect Catholics with the profound joy that comes with Christ-inspired generosity. We meet our donors wherever they are in their charitable journey and turn their gifts into real-world impact. As experts in philanthropy, we help our donors support their favorite causes through Catholic-aligned investments. The Catholic Foundation operates independently from the Catholic Diocese of Columbus but works to supports the needs and greater welfare of the Catholic community. All authority of the Foundation is vested in and exercised by our Board of Trustees.
Bishop Griffin Resource Center
This is a Special Work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, providing a safety net for local residents on the east side of Columbus with food, clothing, and support services.
International Support
Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Relief Services is the official international charitable arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. For over 80 years, our mission has been to assist impoverished and disadvantaged people overseas, working in the spirit of Catholic social teaching to promote the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. We protect, defend and advance human life around the world by directly meeting basic needs and advocating solutions to injustice. Present in more than 80 countries throughout the world, CRS responds to natural disasters and humanitarian crises.