Our History
If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?
JAMES 2:15-16
Catholic Charities was established by Bishop Alvaro Corrada del Rio in response to Hurricane Katrina in September of 2005 and continues today under the guidance and leadership of the Most Revered Joe Vasquez, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Tyler.
With initial funding from CCUSA (Catholic Charities USA) and UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), Catholic Charities provided long-term direct assistance and case management to thousands of hurricane survivors from January, 2006 to April, 2008. Many of those assisted were able to resettle in East Texas, relocate to another area, or return to their original locations.
With a grant from the Louis and Peaches Owen Family Foundation, Catholic Charities also began serving those struggling with poverty and other complex issues. The agency relocated from a shared office in the Chancery to the current building at 202 W. Front Street behind the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Today, Catholic Charities is funded through the generosity of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, state and local Foundation Grants, Individual Donations and a special second collection from the Catholic faithful throughout the Diocese of Tyler.
Our efforts focus on making a positive difference in the lives of people in need.
