Events in the Founding and First Decade
of the Archdiocese of Chicago's
Catholic Campaign for Human Development

October
1967 		Bishop Dempsey appointed head of the Archdiocese Inner City Apostolate (The New World).
November
1969		 National Conference of Catholic Bishops adopts, "Resolution on Crusade Against Poverty" and resolves that the NCCB "establish a National Catholic Crusade against Poverty." They commit to raising $50 million dollars over the "next several years" to be "allocated for specific projects aimed at eliminating the very causes of poverty." The bishop's explained, "[T]here is an evident need for funds designed to be used for organizing groups of white and minority poor to develop economic strength and political power in their own communities" and they directed the president of the NCCB to appoint a committee to formulate a specific proposal. (Pastoral Letters)
August
1970		 Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Michael Dempsey named "National Chairman" to direct the CCHD office in Washington, D.C. His goal was to "attack the attitudes and myths that perpetuate poverty generation after generation." He believed that "the poor in America need much more than alms; they need self-respect. They need the door of opportunity to open equally for them."  Among the projects mentioned for possible funding, Bishop Dempsey mentioned education, housing, job opportunities and also helping "drop-outs and potential drop-outs". (The New World)
October
1970		 In preparation for the first collection, the NCCB asks "Catholic parishioners throughout the country on Nov 15 & 22 [to] . . .  pray that the Campaign for Human Development will be effective in converting minds and hearts to a renewed recognition of man's dependence upon God." (Archives)
November
1970		 NCCB adopts, "Resolution on the Campaign for Human Development" which recalls that, as Pope Paul VI said, "determined efforts are needed to 'break the hellish circle of poverty' – to eradicate the conditions which impose poverty and trap generation after generation in an agonizing cycle of dependency and despair." The purposes of the Campaign are two-fold: 1) fund projects which attack the root causes of poverty; and, 2) educate the non-poor "to effect in them a conversion of heart, a growth in compassion and sensitivity to the needs of their brothers in want." (Pastoral Letters)
June 1971 Chicago CCHD announces $125,000 in local grants to eight groups including six Catholic entities, such as parishes, programs of the Archdiocese, or ministries of religious. (Archives)
1973 Fr. James Moriarity appointed Director of the Archdiocese of Chicago's CCHD. (Caritas Christi p. 9)
1976 Pope Paul VI wrote, "We know also of a multiplicity of other good works done in the name of Jesus and for the glory of His Name, among which we would mention explicitly the Campaign for Human Development.  Your Christian sensitivity and pastoral concern have brought honor to your local Churches.  And, as on other occasions, in the name of the poor and of those who have benefited from your fraternal love, we express gratitude to you and to all your fellow citizens -- gratitude to America." (Letter to the American Bishops for the US Bicentennial, Archives)
1979 Pope John Paul II said, "This Campaign has been a witness to the Church's living presence in the world among the most needy and to her commitment to continuing the mission of the Church…. The projects assisted by the Campaign have helped to create a more human and just social order, and they enable many people to achieve an increased measure of rightful self-reliance. They remain in the life of the Church a witness to the love and concern of our Lord Jesus Christ.  May God give you strength, courage, and wisdom to continue work for justice. God bless you all." ("Message to the Campaign for Human Development," given at Providence of God Church in Chicago. Richmond CCHD website.)
1979 Archdiocese's Office for Peace and Justice is created by Cardinal Cody to, among other purposes, serve as the "educational arm" of Chicago's Catholic Campaign for Human Development. (Caritas Christi, p. 145)
1980 Chicago CCHD local grants this year included funding programs of four entities of the Archdiocese of Chicago: the Respect Life Office, Quigley Seminary South, the Office for the Deaf, and the Office for Pastoral Care of Divorced and Separated Catholics. (Caritas Christi, p. 13)
 

Citations and References

Archives: Archdiocese of Chicago's Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Archives & Records

Caritas Christi Urget Nos A History Of The Offices, Agencies, And Institutions Of The Archdiocese Of Chicago, Ed. Harry C. Koenig, Pub. Archdiocese of Chicago (1981)

The New World, "Bishop Dempsey Will Head Church Attack on Poverty", Vol. 78, No. 33, Aug 14, 1970

Pastoral Letters of the United States Catholic Bishops, Volume III, 1962-1974, Ed Nolan, Hugh, ed., 1983, p. 214-15; and p. 273-74

Richmond CCHD Website, http://www.richmonddiocese.org/cchd/history.htm