Our annual Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching. People of faith across this land count their blessings as we thank God for his providential care in our homes, in our communities and in this great nation. But when we count our blessings we can’t help but think of those who are not so generously blessed. Even in these hard economic times, most of us recognize others who suffer much more greatly. They lack quality education, affordable housing, health care, child care, fair wages and vocational training.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, the annual Tobin Lecture sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Peace and Justice will be taking place at All Saints Church. This year’s speaker will be Mr. Ralph McCloud, the National Director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. In a recent letter to the Catholic community at large Mr. McCloud outlined some of the very fine features of CCHD. This annual Campaign gives us an opportunity to change institutions that allow poverty to exist. It also gives some hope to the 37 million people still living in poverty across this great land. CCHD has 38 years of experience in helping form faith communities like those in your parish to live out the gospel in a unique and meaningful way.

In all USA parishes every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving pastors invite their people to support the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. In recent times the invitation has usually been preceded by voices of opposition to the Campaign, people of good will who struggle with some of the abuses that inevitably occur when reaching out to help the poor and needy. This year some of the challenges to the legitimacy of the Campaign were brought about by CCHD’s past funding of ACORN. As I pointed out in a statement issued two weeks ago, ACORN is a community organization with local chapters around the nation which has been funded by CCHD in the past. Due to allegations of fraud, CCHD has suspended funding for ACORN. It has hired a forensic accountant to investigate this claim. CCHD always takes allegations of misconduct seriously.

When I was a young priest serving in Chicago’s inner-city, one Sunday I was home alone in the rectory. The doorbell rang and I welcomed a gentleman who was looking for some help to pay his rent lest he be evicted from his small home. It was a Sunday afternoon. No one else was around. I didn’t have time to check out his story. He seemed for real and he even gave me his address. All he needed was around $20 so I gave him the money. Well, you guessed it. The next day I walked through the neighborhood and decided to check out the place where he lived. Yes, it was an empty lot. I had been taken.

In my life as a priest, I know that there were other instances when I believed a story or helped a person who misled me or misused my charity. But if I had waited for the perfect moment to help out the needy, I probably would have gone around every day simply saying “no” to such requests. I don’t think I would be true to the gospel, were I to do that. So it isn’t surprising that once in a while CCHD is taken to the cleaners by one of its beneficiaries.

Let me assure you that for us bishops CCHD is a very important vehicle in our efforts to encourage Catholics to assist poor and low-income Americans help themselves and their communities out of poverty. Since 1970 CCHD has delivered $280 million to more than 7,800 low-income-led community-based projects which strengthen families, create jobs, build affordable housing, fight crime and improve schools in neighborhoods. Here in the archdiocese last year, local projects received $160,000, more than was contributed by local Catholics.

CCHD’s mantra is “helping people help themselves.” It’s the old story of trying to help someone learn how to fish rather than give him a fish. One interesting facet of the CCHD program each year is its effort to promote justice through economic development. CCHD regularly supports the establishment of businesses that provide decent wages, distribute profits more equitably and ensure an active role for low-income persons through the governance of businesses.

One such program is entitled The Enterprising Kitchen, Inc., a non-profit business created to provide employment and life skills training for women who are working towards self-sufficiency and independence. The Enterprising Kitchen produces high quality products in an environment that helps women maximize their individual potential and self esteem.

Another such effort involves dairy products in my old world of southeast Minnesota. The program is entitled Pastureland. The dairy products of Pastureland come from the milk of cows that graze on the beautiful pastures near the Mississippi River. Obviously environmental stewardship and healthy cows are important for farmers who partner with Pastureland. Their pastures prevent erosion and provide a humane environment for cows as well as a healthy habitat for wildlife. No antibiotics or hormones are used to enhance the growth or production of these dairy herds.

Here in the Archdiocese of Portland I have asked all pastors to take up a second collection on Sunday, November 23, whereby you can support the work of CCHD. Insofar as it is humanly possible, CCHD is a careful steward of your gifts and it abides by the charitable standards set by a leading donor advisory service. Tracing its history back to 1969, the pastoral strategy of CCHD is empowerment of the poor which hopefully will lead toward greater solidarity between poor and non-poor citizens. In the Lord’s eyes we are all equal. We want to start seeing one another in precisely the same way. This ministry for justice is rooted in our commitment to live as baptized believers in a world desperately in need of the light of the gospel.

Like yourselves, I regret the fact that some individuals or organizations may have betrayed our trust when we are doing our best to reach out and help. The effects of original sin are still felt among us. But it is no excuse for ignoring the many and needy all around us. I find CCHD to be a meaningful and effective way of fighting poverty and promoting social justice. I hope you will too. Your help will make many hearts, including your own, much happier this Thanksgiving. God bless.