SECRETARIAT FOR MINISTRIAL SERVICES

Under the auspices of the Secretariat for Ministerial Services the Catholic Charity Fund supports the following programs:

The Office for Health Care Ministries provides Chaplaincy programs at all of the hospitals in the State of Rhode Island. Touching literally tens of thousands each year, Hospital Chaplains visit the sick, counsel families, provide spiritual and sacramental support and bring the light of Christ into peoples lives at a time when they need Him most. Chaplains are priests, deacons and religious sisters whose ministry brings them in contact with people in a unique and sensitive way.

The Office for Clergy Formation provides continuing education experiences for diocesan priests and deacons that enable them to provide more effective ministry to the people of God. This office provides opportunities for priests to attend a variety of seminars, retreats, theological, spiritual, pastoral and professional education programs and other similar offerings to allow them to continue to grow and learn throughout their years of ministry.

Major Seminary Education Grants provide support for young men attending major seminaries throughout the world as they continue their education and formation in becoming a priest of the Diocese of Providence. The Diocese of Providence is currently blessed with 27 men who are in various stages of collegiate and major seminary education. Major seminary constitutes the final four years of priestly education and formation just prior to ordination to the priesthood. These young men will become the pastors of the future and will lead the next generation of Rhode Island Catholics in building up the Body of Christ in our community.

Haitian and Hispanic Clergy support provides resources to support a number of clergy in our diocese who minister to these growing ethnic communities. Often serving parishes with limited resources these grants support these priests in their service to the inner-city and immigrant communities.