Helping the unborn and their mothers
Through CDA funding, a wide range of services is provided to women and teens with unplanned pregnancies. These include medical care, counseling, education and referrals consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Michelle came to 1st Way Pregnancy Center, a CDA funded organization, for a pregnancy test. As they talked with Michelle, the volunteers at 1st Way Pregnancy Center discovered she was a methamphetamine addict and was considering an abortion. Through ultra-sound images, Michelle was able to see her baby. At that moment, Michelle decided to end her addiction and keep her baby. Through 1st Way Pregnancy Center, Michelle received counseling and the assistance she needed to have a healthy baby. Michelle's baby was born last year and they are both doing well. Name has been changed to protect privacy.
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Nurturing children and adults as they grow in their faith
Faith formation and education programs are provided for children and adults at all stages of their lives. The CDA makes the opportunity for formation and education available, accessible and affordable to thousands of families within the Diocese.
Brian, a young man with autism, celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. Because of his autism, Brian's catechism was personalized by the Office for the Evangelization with Persons with Disabilities (funded by the CDA). Brian was able to learn through pictures and painting instead of more traditional methods. As a result, he was given the opportunity to grow in his faith.
Name has been changed to protect privacy.
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Assisting people in crisis
The CDA supports a number of programs that affirm human dignity and offer help to those in need of our care. The programs supported by the CDA assist low-income and other disadvantaged individuals.
Cory lived on the streets for 10 years. She had an abusive husband, used drugs and alcohol, lost her children and fell into a deep depression. She eventually found her way to Paz de Cristo. Paz de Cristo was able to assist her with food, counsel, spiritual support and a place to live. After one year of sobriety, Cory has completed courses at Apollo College, has a part-time job and an apartment of her own. She also has begun to teach Sunday school at her parish. Name has been changed to protect privacy.
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Celebrating the diverse communities within our Diocese
The CDA supports a variety of vital diocesan services and programs that recognize and support the gifts and needs of our Diocesan family. We are blessed with many members of our Hispanic, Native American, Vietnamese, African American and Eastern European communities.
The number of families at San Martín de Porres has grown by 100% in only two years. These parishioners have had the privilege of celebrating Mass with many Diocesan priests as well as priests from all over the world. Families love their parish. It is their dedication to our One Family in Christ and the assistance of CDA funding that has allowed this parish to grow and flourish.
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Supporting our seniors
The CDA provides funding to agencies such as The Foundation for Senior Living that assists our elderly in living independently and with dignity. Their programs offer counseling and in-home nursing as well as home safety, repair services and adult daycare.
Loneliness is an epidemic among many seniors, especially those who have lost their sight. These members of our One Family in Christ can no longer drive, watch TV, read, play golf or do any of the things they used to enjoy. They become homebound and isolated. Thanks to funding from the CDA, The Foundation for Senior Living was able to start a low-vision group that offers support, information and camaraderie.
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Strengthening families
CDA funded programs such as Catholic Charities provide programs for families, children and individuals. These programs include counseling, foster home care, adoption and child placement services. Protection and shelter are offered for the abused, neglected and victims of domestic violence.
Tom was 13 when he was placed in his seventh foster home within a span of 9 months. After one year of stability with a loving family who provided positive parenting and role modeling, Tom and his mother were able to be reunited. Since he was an at-risk youth, it was important for Tom to live in a positive environment. He has been successful at remaining involved in many activities and has an on ongoing relationship with his foster family.
Name has been changed to protect privacy.
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Affirming our priests, seminarians, religious and deacons
The CDA provides funds for tuition and room and board for our Diocesan seminarians as well as for young men entering the Serra House of Discernment. CDA also provides support for the religious, priests and deacons of the Diocese.
Many times the chasm between a person thinking about seminary and actually entering the seminary can seem very large. The Serra House of Discernment is a place for Catholic men, between the ages of 18 and 33, to live in community while discerning God's will for them. These men, who attend school and/or work, are able to live in an environment that is conducive to prayer and where they will be exposed to solid Catholic tradition which includes attending daily Mass, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, spiritual direction and participation in weekly evenings of discernment. The Serra House serves the Diocese of Phoenix provides a place away from the many distractions and societal pressures that often drown out God's voice.
