Update
November 8, 2017
Dear Father, Pastoral Coordinator, Parishioners:
The 2017 Peter’s Pence Collection has concluded and I’m pleased to report that our archdiocese raised a total of $307, 447. This generous gift has been sent to our Holy Father to assist him in the support of victims of war and natural disasters throughout the world, helping those most in need.
Pope Francis declared the theme of this year’s Peter’s Pence collection as ‘Be a Witness to Charity’ and has asked us to “open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help!” (Misericordiae Vultus, no. 15) Your participation in the Peter’s Pence collection has helped your parishioners become witnesses to charity and a force of mercy that reaches around the world!
Thank you for your successful efforts in supporting this important collection.
Sincerely,
Steve Homiack
Director of Parish Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Seattle
The 2017 national collection date for the Peter’s Pence Collection is the weekend of June 24 – 25. The USCCB National Collections Committee oversees the Peter’s Pence Collection which has raised nearly $190 million to support our suffering brothers and sisters around the globe.
Unite with Pope Francis
Through the Peter’s Pence Collection, we unite with the Holy Father as he reaches out to our brothers and sisters suffering the effects of war and violence, natural disasters, and religious persecution. We stand in solidarity with Catholics all over the world to support the charitable works and outreach of the Holy See.
Help Those Living on the Margins
Pope Francis calls each of us to be a witness of charity for our suffering brothers and sisters living on the margins. He encourages us to “open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help!” (Misericordiae Vultus [MV], no. 15). In Pope Francis, we have a joyful witness of charity. By supporting this collection, we can experience more fully how “mercy is the force that reawakens us to new life and instills in us the courage to look to the future with hope” (MV, no. 10).
Charity is infectious, it excites, it risks and it engages! For true charity is always unmerited, unconditional and gratuitous!Pope Francis, Homily, February 15, 2015
History
The Peter’s Pence Collection derives its name from an ancient custom. In ninth-century England. King Alfred the Great collected money, a “pence,” from landowners as financial support for the Pope. Today, the Peter’s Pence Collection supports the Pope’s philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression, and disease.
Support the Peter’s Pence Collection
Join Pope Francis and be a witness of charity throughout the world. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in faith who are facing adversity and prayerfully discern your gift to the Peter’s Pence Collection for the weekend of June 24 – 25.
Learn more about the Peter’s Pence Collection, then make your donation online or use the offertory envelope mailed to your home.
