April 11, 2004

Father Robert Vitillo, executive director of Catholic Charities USA, recently wrote to thank Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz for the contributions East Tennessee Catholics had made in support of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

“I am writing to thank you and all the faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville for your very generous 2003 collection contribution of $24,518.43,” said Father Vitillo. “This support enables the church in the United States to continue to help people who are poor to break the cycle of poverty.

“In 2003 you helped CCHD grant $8.75 million in support of 318 local projects in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” he wrote.

“We are proud to be one of the largest private funders of anti-poverty programs initiated and led by people living in poverty.

“Through their gifts to CCHD, the people of [the Knoxville Diocese] help to break the cycle of poverty and build community across our nation. We are grateful for your leadership and for the invaluable partnership of your diocesan director, Father Ragan Schriver.”