Catholic diocese considers charity

A new Catholic charity agency being considered by the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese could mean services such as foster care, low-income housing and immigrant services for Southeast Missouri.

The diocese is currently conducting a study examining the possibility of such an agency, which Catholic diocese throughout the country operate via Catholic Charities USA, the membership association of one of the nation's largest social service networks.

According to Dr. Donald Emge, director of social ministry for the local diocese, the study will examine the type of structure that would be most effective and the types of services that would be considered priorities for southern Missouri.

Nationwide, the agencies provide social services to people in need, regardless of their religious, social or economic backgrounds.

Emge believes that any local effort must take into account the characteristics of southern Missouri. This would lead to an agency that would be more centralized and regional in its focus. In the initial stage of the study, the diocese will host 15 listening sessions in 11 different locations, including Cape Girardeau on Monday and Tuesday.

"The majority of diocese around the country have some form of Catholic charity agency," said Emge. "A lot of people keep asking, 'Why don't we?'"

The types of services offered vary from diocese to dioceses, but Emge said examples of programs include adoption and foster care, low-income housing, direct services to the poor, services for immigrants and refugees and help with problem pregnancies.

"With almost any conceivable social need, somewhere around the country there is a Catholic charity addressing that need," said Emge.

The listening sessions will last about two hours and participants will be asked to share their ideas. Comments will be typed and tabulated, Emge hopes by the first of February, he said. He would like to make a recommendation to the diocese by mid-May.

Anyone is invited to attend the listening sessions, just as people of any faith can benefit from the social services.

"This is not a direct part of our evangelism program," said Emge. "We wouldn't require participation in Catholic activities. If you have a need, we want to reach out to help you."

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128