National Collection for The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Archbishop Perez has asked that the following letter be communicated to all the parishes within the Archdiocese.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I appeal to you today to give generously to the National Collection for The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

As the only institution of higher education founded by the U.S. bishops and chartered by the Vatican, Catholic University is the national university of the Catholic Church, charged with educating the future leaders of the Church, the nation, and the world. Here are just two ways Catholic University is educating the next generation of clergy, religious, and young lay men and women from every geographical region of the United States:

• Catholic University is helping to renew and strengthen the Church. Through hosting a national conference series focused on laity response to the sex abuse crisis, and in creating an Institute for Diocesan Excellence in Administration (IDEA), where lay scholars and professionals can support clergy by providing expertise and accountability in the areas of education, finance, canon law, culture, and more, Catholic University will serve as a springboard in renewing and strengthening Catholicism in our country.

• Catholic University serves the Church by engaging its students to discover knowledge and truth through excellence in teaching and research. With its 12 schools and 23 research centers, the University provides an exceptional Catholic education to almost 7,000 students annually. By way of its many programs, such as those in ethical business practices; classical architecture; intelligence studies; neuroscience; nursing; Spanish language and Hispanic ministry; social service; and Catholic bioethics the University prepares students to respond to the many issues facing the Church and society today. Our national university is educating an important generation of lay and ordained leaders within the United States.

The Collection for The Catholic University of America will be held in parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on the weekend of August 15 and August 16, 2020. Thank you and God bless you for supporting America’s Catholic university and the countless number of students who will experience an education grounded in Catholic tradition.

Sincerely in Christ,

+ Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.

Archbishop of Philadelphia