Church in Need Fact Sheet

ACN Fact Sheet

Religious persecution is a foreign concept for most people living in the United States, but it is a horrifying reality for some 200 million Christians who face violence and even murder for practicing their faith. The United Nations reports that another 350 million Christians experience less extreme forms of oppression, including discrimination, harassment and restrictions on their worship.

Aid to the Church in Need is an international Catholic charity dedicated to alleviating the suffering of those who are persecuted for practicing their faith. With the blessing and guidance of the Holy Father, Aid to the Church in Need supports the pastoral and temporal needs of priests, religious and laity in 145 countries.

Aid to the Church in Need is supported by generous individuals in 18 countries, who entrust it with $120 million each year to realize the spiritual and material needs identified and met by leaders of the suffering Church.

Each of the 5000 projects funded each year by Aid to the Church in Need is an expression of the organization’s commitment to “Keep the Faith Alive” in places where it is put to the test.

Aid to the Church in Need provides hope by meeting needs generally overlooked by other charitable organizations. Specifically, Aid to the Church in Need:
· Rebuilds churches and chapels destroyed by violence or desecrated by hatred, restoring a safe place for the faithful to gather in prayer
· Supports the religious formation of future priests and nuns by providing food, clothing and religious education materials. In fact, one of every seven seminarians in the world is supported by Aid to the Church in Need.
· Offers pastoral and temporal care to contemplative sisters and elderly religious
· Provides bicycles, cars, motorcycles, trucks and mules to help priests and nuns reach remote parishes
· Places Bibles and other devotional materials in the hands of those who want to grow in their faith. Aid to the Church in Need has translated its Child’s Bible into 156 languages and distributed it to 45 million youngsters.
· Gives material aid and pastoral care to refugees and others persecuted for their faith.
· Promotes the Gospel through Christian media by developing and supporting television and radio programming

Aid to the Church in Need began in 1947 as the vision of Father Werenfried van Straaten, a devout Dutch priest trying to heal the wounds of war-torn Germany by lavishing hope and love on its people. His legacy is a vibrant organization that translates the commitment of generous donors into actual hope for their brothers and sisters who suffer to practice their Christian faith.

A Church In Need

I was recently contacted by Aid to the Church in Need, an international Catholic charity, asking if I would post some information about their organization. After reading about this wonderful charity, I felt compelled to share with you some important information I learned about the work they do to help the suffering and persecuted Church worldwide.

The following is from their Mission Statement:

Our Mission

"You assure a fundamental service to the human person when he or she is deprived of an inalienable right to religious liberty."
— John Paul II

As an international Catholic charity under the guidance of the Holy Father, Aid to the Church in Need’s mission is to help suffering and persecuted faithful worldwide.

As the voice of the suffering Church, with the help of our ACN family of faithful — hundreds of thousands of concerned and committed Catholics worldwide — we reach out to assist people in need in over 145 countries. Each year, we fulfill more than 5,000 projects through our spiritual and material aid programs. Our shared goal: To help strengthen the Church and keep the Faith alive.

Where there is darkness and despair, we provide light, hope, and a constant sign that the Church is a dynamic, single, universal body in Christ.

The work they do is tremendous and they need our help to continue this work. One way you can help is by Offering a Mass:
Through your Mass Offering, you bring God's compassion and love to your loved ones, but also hope to those who celebrate the Mass in Communion with the Saints. Rest assured that your Mass Stipend will be sent — in full — to a priest who will celebrate a Mass for your intentions.
Another way you can help is by supporting one of their Programs:

Thanks to the commitment of generous faithful, we reach out to our suffering brothers and sisters through eight core programs. Our donors have made a positive difference in the lives of literally millions of people worldwide. Please consider making a gift to support a program, or offer general support. The need is great. You may also wish to view specific Projects in Need that are in urgent need of funding.
You can also support the organization just by following them on the web and by spreading the word about their mission and the work they do:
· Follow Aid to the Church in Need on Twitter.
· Become a Fan of the charity on Facebook.
· Read their blog at churchinneed.wordpress.com.
· View photos of projects and people on Flickr.

This is a unique Catholic charity and I am happy that I have the opportunity to share this information with you. I hope you will take a few moments to click on the links I placed in this post.

Individual Catholic Prayers

If anyone would like to share their orignal Catholic prayers, quotes, inspiration sayings, devotions, intercessions, writings or poems to a specific Saint, please share them. I can add them to the Apostle.com site with or without the name of the author.

The 5 Mysteries

What are the 5 Mysteries?

1. The Baptism of Jesus by John in Jordan. The sky opened up and God himself spoke with the large group of followers waiting to be baptised by John. John stated: Behold, the Lamb of God

2. The Wedding in Cana, when Jesus turned water into wine

3. The proclamation of the Kingdom. According to scripture Jesus rarely spoke a word. A large gathering came to hear him speak. This is when Jesus stated that Peter was given the keys to heaven

4. The Transfiguration. John, James and Peter were taken up to the mountains with Jesus to pray. It was there when the transfiguration took place, and Jesus experienced the Passion while covered in light. It was then that God spoke to John, James and Peter and a cloud opened up in the sky. God told John, James and Peter to listen to Jesus as he is my son.

5. The Eucharist. The last supper. When Jesus gives his body and blood to all who believes in him.

The 5 mysteries represent the 5 decades of a Rosary. A Rosary is called a Prayer counter because it helps one focus on the mysteries one bead at a time.

All to my All

This is a blog of the Phillipines I believe, and it is very well written. There are some original Haiku's, poems and readings that are very uplifting. Along with original readings there are a large group of readings from Anne Frank, Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine. I really liked this blog.

http://alltomyall.blogspot.com/

All Else Confusion: Catie's Wish

All Else Confusion: Catie's Wish

This is a link to the "All Else Confusion" Blog, and has a story about the little girl Catie O'brien who died on January 25th of 2009. Catie and her family had a wish to cover the expenses of all St. Jude operations for one day each year in her name. Her story, and donation information can be found from this link.

Alive and Young

This is a great Catholic blog spot because of the unique, useful information mixed with an excellent sense of humor. I really enjoyed the very fresh and pleasant writings.

http://aliveandyoung.blogspot.com/

Saint of the Day

I found an exceptional resource! The website: www.americancatholic.org is just fantastic. There is a Saint Calender, Saint of the day and there is even a Patron Saint index where you can match your own name to the index! Very nice and highly recommended daily reading.

Today's Saint of the day: St. John Vianney

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Miracle of the Eucharist Video

The Alexandrian

I really thought this blog was cool primarily because of the design. It is a Canadian Catholic blog focused on the modern culture of Catholocism. Definitely one of the best designs I have seen yet.

www.thealexandrian.org/blog

Albanarius

Albanarius is written by a gentleman in Florida, and is a Catholic blog focused on modern political news. What I like about it is it's short and sweet yet still inciteful. Im not that particularly fond of long winded statements unless the writer is exceptional at capturing your attention. If you like a quick and powerful Catholic-political blurb this is the site for you.

http://albanarius.blogspot.com/

After Abortion (Pro-Life Resources)

The After Abortion site is an excellent place for Pro-Life resources such as: Abortion prevention, abortion recovery counceling, contacts for adoption, options for un-wed mothers and a wealth of information pertaining to the Pro-Life movement. There are also several touching letters and writings from both mothers, and those who had aborted their unborn baby.

http://afterabortion.blogspot.com/

Aeternus

Aeternus is a very simple yet well thought out blog focused entirely on Catholic Prayers, spiritual excercises, as well as Catholic writings from a variety of different sources. One could easily spend several hours of reflection here.

http://aeternus.stblogs.com/

Adrienne's Armoire

This is a blog for women, but while doing my daily Catholic Links and Blog reading I came across Adrienne's Armoire and was very impressed. She has a mastery of making handmade dresses, and she mixes her clothing niche with Catholicism and the word of Our Lord. Definitely worth taking a look at this easy-on-the-eyes and very well designed site.

http://adriennesarmoire1.wordpress.com/

Pictures of the Vatican

Here is a blog from the Adorno Fathers of New Jersey. The Clerics went to Rome and took some really beautiful pictures during their travels

http://www.adornofathers.blogspot.com/

Father V

I highly reccomend the blog: "Adam's Ale" by Father V

http://clevelandpriest.blogspot.com/index.html

Saint Bridget (Patron of Sweden)

Patron Saint: Widows

Additional Patronage: Sweden

Canonized: 1391 by Pope Boniface

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Visions of Jesus Christ and the Crucifixion
Fully dedicated her life to The Message of Christ
Exceptional writings based on her visions
Founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior, which now stands today as the Bridgettines

Saint Bridget Medals, Crosses and Rosary

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Bernadette of Lourdes (Vision of the Virgin Mother)

Patron Saint: Lourdes, France

The story of Bernadette is reknowned worldwide. St. Bernadette was one of six children born to a poor family in France, in the year 1844. After Bernadette recieved her first Communion, she was witness to several visions by the Virgin Mother of God to enter the Convent of the Sister at Lourdes. There, she was tended for by the Sisters due to her severe sickness. Even during this time she was constantly visited by Christians hearing of her beautiful visions of the Holy Mary and asking for her blessing. Bernadette died in prayer at the age of 34. 30 years after Bernadette passed away, her coffin was exumed because Pope Pius XI wished to offer Bernadette beautifucation due to her piousness and visions of the Holy Mother. What was found was truly a miracle, which almost immediately led to her canonization as a Saint. Saint Bernadette looked exactly the same as the day of her death. Not even the smallest hint of decay or smell was present. To this day, the tomb of St. Bernadette is visited by millions of pilgrims witnessing one of the greatest known visible miracles known today.

Prayer of St. Bernadette:
St. Bernadette, little shepherdess of Lourdes favoured with eighteen apparitions of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and with the privilege of lovingly conversing with her, now that you are eternally enjoying the entrancing beauty of the Immaculate Mother of God, do not forsake me your devoted client, who am still in the valley of tears. Intercede for me that I too, may walk the simple paths of faith. Help me to imitate your example, at our heavenly Queens request, by saying the Rosary daily and by doing penance for sinners. Teach me to imitate your wonderful devotedness to God and Our Lady the Immaculate Conception so that like you, I may be blessed with the grace of lasting faithfulness and enjoy the happiness in heaven of the eternal vision of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.Amen.
Nothing is anything more to me; everything is nothing to me, but Jesus: neither things nor persons, neither ideas nor emotions, neither honor nor sufferings. Jesus is for me honor, delight, heart and soul. - Saint Bernadette

Born: January, 1844, Lourdes, France

Died: April, 1879, Nevers, France

Beautified: 1925

Canonized: 1933 by Pope Pius XI

Name Means: Brave as a bear

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Miracle of uncorrupted body at death to present
Both Church and Public acknowledgement of the Lourdes Vision of the Virgin Mary
Miracles at her tomb in Lourdes
Remarkable piousness and devotion to Jesus Christ
Caring for the sick and helpless

Saint Bernadette of Lourdes Medals, Prayer Cards and Rosary

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Barbara (Patron of Protection from Harm)

Prayer of St. Barbara:
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.Amen Oh God, who among the other miracles of Your power, have given the victory of martyrdom, grant, we beseech You, that we, who are celebrating the heavenly Blessed Barbara, Your Virgin and Martyr, may by her example draw nearer to you. Amen.

Born: Early 200 AD

Died: 235 AD

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Martyred by beaheading
Zealot against polytheism
One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers - Against Sudden Death and Fever
Wonder Worker - Protected from harm, specifically: Lighting and Fire

Saint Barbara Medals, Prayer Cards and Statuettes

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Anne (Patron of Housewives)

Patron Saint: Housewives

Prayer of St Anne:
Glorious Saint Anne, we think of you as filled with compassion for those hwo invoke you and with love for those who suffer. Heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present affiar which I commend to you under you special protection. Deign to commend it to your daughter, our Blessed Lady, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy conclusion. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face. With you and Mary and all the saints, may I praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen. Good Saint Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray for me.

Name Means: Gracious One

Additional Patronages: Mothers, Grandmothers, Against Poverty, Childless People and Women in Labor

Canonized: 1584

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Miracles: Through endless prayer of her Husband Joachim, the childless St. Anne was able to concieve
An Angel appeared to St. Anne, telling her that she would concieve the Mother of God
Life of a Saint:
Mother of the Virgin Mary
Teacher
Remarkable Piousness

Saint Anne Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Anna (Patron of Women in Labor)

Patron Saint: Women in Labor

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
One of the very few women mentioned in both the Old and New Testament
Cared for Both Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mother in the Temple Mount at the same time

Saint Anna Pendant Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Angela (Patron of Widows)

Name Means: Angel

Patron Saint: Widows

Additional Patronages: Against sexual temptation, Death of Children, People ridiculed for their piety

Memorial: January 4th

Also Known as: Saint Angela of Foligno and The Mistress of Theologians

Blessed Saint Angela of Foligno:
God presents himself in the inmost depths of my soul. I understand not only that he is present, but also how he is present in every creature and in everything that has being, in a devil and a good angel, in heaven and hell, in good deeds and in adultery or homicide, in all things, finally, which exist or have some degree of being, whether beautiful or ugly. I also understand that he is no less present in a devil than a good angel. Therefore, while I am in this truth, I take no less delight in seeing or understanding his presence in a devil or in an act of adultery than I do in a good angel or in a good deed. This mode of divine presence in my soul has become almost habitual. Moreover, this mode of God's presence illuminates my soul with such great truth and bestows on it such divine graces that when my soul is in this mode it cannot commit any offense, and it receives an abundance of divine gifts. Because of this understanding of God's presence my soul is greatly humiliated and ashamed of its sins. It is also granted deep wisdom, great divine consolation, and joy.

Born: 1248 Italy

Died: January 4th, 1309

Beautified: 1693 by Pope Innocent XII

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Gave up immoral life for Christ
Franciscan Tertiary
Known for her exceptional charity and patience
Visionary:
Converted after witnessing Christ in a vision
Mystic and writer

Saint Angela Medals and Statuettes

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Alyssa (Patron of Paralyzed People)

Patron Saint: Paralyzed People

Died: 1250 AD

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Entered the Cistercian Convent at age 8
Exceptionally humble and influential
Paralyzed and blind as a teenager, her Faith in the Lord became much greater, and she became a bastion to pilgrims
Divine Visions of Christ

Saint Alyssa Pendant and Charm Medals

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Alice (Patron of Germany)

Also Known as: Alice of Guelders and Adelaide of Bellich

Memorial: February 5th

Born: Late 900's, Germany

Died: February 5th, 1015 in Munich, Germany

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Benedictine Nun
Abbess of Villich and Our Lady of Cologne
Known for her exceptional dedication to the poor
Insisted that the Sisters in her Convent learn Latin so they could better understand Mass

Saint Alice Charm Medal

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Alexandra (Defender of Humanity)

Patron Saint: Defender of Humanity

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

St. Alexandra was part of 300 Christian women on a mission of peace to Rome. During this time, Christian persecution was rampant under Emperor Diocletian, and every one of the women were Martyred by being burned alive.

Saint Alexandra Pendants and Medals

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Agnes (Patron of Engaged Couples)

Prayer of St Agnes:

All-powerful and ever-living God, You choose the weak in this world to confound the powerful. When we celebrate the memory of Saint Agnes, may we like her remain constant in our faith. Amen.
The Name Agnes means "Chastity" or "Lamb". Saint Agnes at a very young age was ordered to worship and sacrifice to the pagan gods and be raped to lose her virginity. When told to do this she made the Sign of the Cross. Saint Agnes was then beaten and tortured while being forced to renounce God. She refused and was Martyred by being stabbed in the throat.

Also Known as: Saint Agnes of Rome

Born: Late 200 AD

Died: 304 AD, tortured. Historical information not clear yet

Additional Patronages: Purity of Soul and Body, Virgins, Chastity and Girl Scouts

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Refused sacrifice to pagan gods
Martyr
Chose death over consecration of Virginity in an illicit marriage

Saint Agnes Medals and Statuettes

Patrick
www.apostle.com

Saint Abigail (Wife of King David)

Patron Saint: Wife of the King of David

Name Means: The cause of a Father's joy

Born: 1000 BC

Died: 950 BC

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

One of the Seven female Prophets of the Old Testament

Remakably humble and virtuous

Named herself: "The Handmaiden of the Servants of God"

Treated her slaves like kings and washed their feet

Saint Abigail Medals

Patrick
www.apostle.com

The Virgin Mary (Patron of Mothers)

Patron Saint: Mother of God

The Virgin Mother of God, Saint Mary was born to Father Saint Joaquin and Mother Saint Anne. Raised in a religious and pious home, Mary was compelled to live a life dedicated to God and her Religious beliefs, which were devoutly Jewish, with Moses considered as the Divine Messenger of God.

Shortly before Jesus was born onto Mary, Saint Joseph wed the Virgin Mother, yet had no physical relations with her, due to the fact that Mary consecrated her Virginity to God. Mary was told by the Archangel St. Gabriel through the Annunciation, that she will concieve the Son of God by the Power of The Holy Spirit. Joseph is considered to be the Betrothed Father of Jesus as he raised Jesus as his own, although Jesus was not born of Joseph's loin.
The Virgin Mother Saint Mary bore The Baby Jesus in the Manger of a farm in Bethlehem. Both Mary and Joseph were very concerned for the safety of the Newborn Christ because the authorities had caught wind of the coming of a Newborn King. In response, the Emperor Herodes sent his armies to kill the first born male child of every family in the city.
Mary was extraordinarily humble and pious, raising Jesus to follow the scriptures devoutly.
The Virgin Mother Saint Mary is venerated as the Mother of the Christian and Catholic Church. Saint Mary is also indoctrinated in a wide range of Patronages such as Mothers, Airline Pilots, Cyclists and Dioceses worldwide. The grace of The Virgin Mother extends to countless Catholic and Christian Institutions. Many countries, states and cities celebrate her memorials and feasts as there are several, every month of the year.

The Virgin Saint Mary is depicted in several Catholic images and prayers such as the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Guadalupe, The Annunciation, Holy Family, Sacred Heart, Madonna and Child, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes and Hail Mary.

The Blessed Virgin Mother Miraculous Medals

Patrick
http://www.apostle.com/

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha (Patron of Exiles)

Prayer of the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha:
O God who, among the many marvels of Your Grace in the New World, did cause to blossom on the banks of the Mohawk and of the St. Lawrence, the pure and tender Lily, Kateri Tekakwitha, grant we beseech You, the favor we beg through her intercession; that this Young Lover of Jesus and of His Cross may soon be counted among her Saints by Holy Mother Church, and that our hearts may be enkindled with a stronger desire to imitate her innocence and faith. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
-Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard, DD, Bishop of Albany, N.Y.

Born: New York, USA, 1656

Died: April, 1680, Canada

Venerated: January, 1943

Beautified: June, 1980 - John Paul II

Canonized: Pending

Additional Patronages: People in exile and people ridiculed for their piety

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Remarkably spiritual and austere
Pilgrim
Miracle worker
Acknowledged Miracles at her grave site

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Medals and Prayer Cards

Patrick
http://www.apostle.com/

Blessed Saint Christina (Patron of Mental Handicaps)

Patron Saint: Mental Handicaps

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Saint Christina was born to a very poor family and suffered from severe epilipsy. At one point, Christina suffered such an intense seizure she was presumed dead. When the funeral Mass was taking place, she awoke and levitated to the roof of the Church. The priest of the Mass asked her to come down and she softly landed on the Alter. Christina told the congregation she had been to heaven, purgatory and hell, and returned with the mission to pray for the souls in purgatory.
St. Christina or Blessed Christina, because she was never formally Beautified or Canonized, was considered quite bizarre by the people who knew her. Most consider her a Holy woman, but she avoided many people because she did not like the pungent smell of their sins. Christina was also able to endure grueling elements such as holding flames, and immersing herself in freezing water without any injury whatsoever. She lived in poverty, sleeping on rocks and begging for whatever food she could get to sustain herself. Sometimes the Prioress of Saint Catherine's convent would convince her to accept a warm bed and meal. Although many thought the devil was inside of her, the Prioress reported that Christina would always follow her orders without question. Saint Christina died of natural causes.

Saint Christina Pendants and Medals

Patrick
http://www.apostle.com/

Blessed Caroline (Patron of Learning)

Saint Caroline...

I am so very little, You could put me in your pocket…or where’ere you will. I am so very small A gherkin size, that’s all… I would be with you the handsome one, who is so bold and tall. Saint Caroline, they called me. We opened schools…and taught all peoples- We wanted growth and learning, too. Integrity and honesty would befit all who knew. Within your pocket would be Saint Caroline. G-d has called this friend of thine. Would not your hand clasp that friend of thine, G-d has called Saint Caroline? Your brilliance - resounding voice Would open cluttered minds. Each day another lesson, and students waiting in long lines. Saint Caroline would say we are blessed each in one’s own way. We learn – we play on each G-d’s day. We love – we cry, we scale G-d’s world…it is so high. We are blessed – it is Divine. Thee and Saint Caroline!

Dr. C.S. Westerhof Ph.D.

Also Known as: Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger

Memorial: May 9th

Born: June 20th 1797 in Germany

Died: May 9th, 1879 in Germany of natural causes

Venerated: January 1983 by Pope John Paul II

Beautified: November 1985 by Pope John Paul II

Canonized: Pending

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Established the School Sister's of Notre Dame shortly after a decree by the Vatican was established with the Bavarian Government to end the ban on religious orders
Devoted her life to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Sacrament

Saint Caroline Charm Medals and Figurine

Patrick
http://www.apostle.com/