Catholic Extension Society has joined the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) to engage global youth in raising awareness of religious freedom and cultivating inter-religious respect, in a campaign called #forSafeWorship.
Religious sites are symbols of our history, traditions, and humanity in every country and community across the globe. They must be respected as places of peace and harmony where worshippers and visitors can feel safe.
For 115 years, Catholic Extension Society’s donors have provided over 12,500 grants to build and repair Churches across the United States. Many of these sacred spaces are in your dioceses, or even your parish!
Browse the videos below to discover just a few of the sacred spaces across the country in areas supported by our donors today.
Coronado Cross | Dodge City, Kansas
The “Coronado Cross” in the Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas, commemorates the region’s first Catholic Mass, celebrated in 1541 by Fr. Juan de Padilla during an early European expedition of the territory.
For Gentry Heimerman, the sacred site serves as a reminder of the area’s Catholic roots and inspires him to continue the work of the Church. Gentry serves as director of young adult ministry for the Extension-supported diocese. Through the generosity of our donors, he was able to earn his graduate degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame in 2018.
Home Shrines| San Bernardino, California
Coachella Valley, located in the Diocese of San Bernardino, is home to many migrant farmworkers. A large number of these migrant farmworkers are indigenous peoples of Mexico coming the U.S. to work the fields.
One indigenous ethnic group, the Purépecha, come primarily from the state of Michoacán in Central Mexico. Their identity as a community is grounded in their Catholic faith, particularly their devotions to Mary, whom they honor through the shrines they erect in their communities.
Remote Parish | Anchorage-Juneau, Alaska
In the cold of Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau, Anna Schulten finds warmth and comfort at St. Patrick’s Parish, a church supported by Catholic Extension Society donors. This faith community first began celebrating Mass in the gymnasium of an elementary school in 1971.
Now, the parish serves over 1,300 families. The beautiful sacred space is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, reminding worshipers of God’s majesty at every turn. Tour the church grounds with Schulten, who serves as St. Patrick’s director of youth ministry.
Musical Worship | Loiza, Puerto Rico
Father Rocendo Herrera Rodriguez shares why “La Bomba” drumming is so important in Parroquia Espíritu Santo y San Patricio, one of the oldest churches in Puerto Rico.
We’ve tried to create a dialogue between Catholic rituals and the experience of the drums. It’s a tribute to humanity. We celebrate our life and our united faith.”
