The Catholic Relief Services Collection, March 18-19, is your opportunity to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people around the world and here in the United States. Your support funds organizations that aid travelers, people affected by war and natural disasters, others whose work or unique cultural circumstances require special pastoral support, and migrants and refugees displaced by conflict, persecution, or political instability. Your support of this collection assists migrants and refugees who need housing, education, and specialized immigration legal assistance; and supports travelers and people whose livelihoods require special pastoral support and access to the sacraments.

Seafarers from around the world sail into the busy ports along the Gulf of Mexico. Because of language barriers, unfamiliarity with the location, and quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have special material and pastoral needs. Fortunately, volunteers from the Stella Maris ministry welcome sailors entering the ports at Point Comfort, Texas, and Mobile, Alabama. Port chaplains celebrate Mass aboard ships, and lay volunteers distribute care packages and Christmas gifts to the sailors, including Bibles, rosaries, and other devotional items. In addition to serving seafarers with visits, gifts, and spiritual support, the centers in Mobile and Point Comfort organized free COVID-19 vaccination clinics for the crews.

Stella Maris was founded in 1920 to bring the Church's saving message aboard ships. Over the past century, it has grown into a worldwide ministry to seafarers, port workers, cruise ship passengers, and others associated with the maritime industry. The U.S. national office is a ministry of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Subcommittee on Pastoral Care for Migrants, Refugees and Travelers. When you contribute to the collection, you support this special ministry that welcomes and provides for seafarers who are far from home.

Your support of this collection makes a difference for so many around the globe. Please prayerfully consider how you can support the collection this year. To learn more about the collection and the people who benefit, please visit www.usccb.org/catholic-relief. Thank you again for your generous support.