Good Friday in September?

On Good Friday in every Catholic Church around the world, the offertory collection is usually given to the Franciscans ministering in the Holy Land. Because most churches were not open on Good Friday this year due to the pandemic, the collection is being taken up as a second collection on the weekend of Sunday, September 13. We encourage you to give as generously as you are able to this collection. It supports five causes worthy of the international Church's attention:

1. Pastoral Care of Christians in the Land of Jesus' Birth

The majority of Christians in the Holy Land face great hardships due to political instability in the region. In 1948, Christians made up 30% of population in the Holy Land; they now comprise roughly 1.5%. The Franciscans provide pastoral care for most of the Roman Catholic parishes in the Holy Land, including the regions affected most by war.

2. Charity

To help Christians remain in the Holy Land, the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land have built thousands of residential units for the poor and the young. They also build senior care facilities and provide medical assistance.

3. Education

Franciscan schools are open to all people, regardless of their religion or nationality. The Franciscans also conduct ongoing archaeological research throughout the Holy Land.

4. Shrines and Liturgy

For over 800 years, the Franciscans have staffed and maintained Christian shrines in the Holy Land. Today, they maintain a vast array of chapels and churches, providing the resources for religious celebrations observed by millions of pilgrims visiting from around the world.

5. Ecumenism and Communications
In a region where the three great Abrahamic religions have their origin, the Franciscan friars are at the forefront of building better relationships among world religions and various Christian denominations. The Christian Media Center communicates with Christians around the world in a variety of languages.

Why is this collection being taken up the weekend of September 13?
Because it is the Sunday closest to September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. On that date in the year 325 AD, St. Helena discovered "the true cross" in the rubble of what is now the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest site in Christianity. In many ways, that was the beginning of the international Christian community making pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

How do I make my gift?

Use the button below to visit our Treasure page, then select your preferred method of payment. Please indicate the amount of your gift and note that it is for "Holy Land" - we'll make sure it gets there. Thank you for your continued generosity.  

Give to the Holy Land