A History of Service

Each and every day, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh extends the light of Christ to individuals and families in need with programs that provide help in the present and hope for a better future.

In 1910, our outreach began to struggling immigrant families who came to our region from various parts of Europe. Men worked in steel mills, while women got jobs in factories or as domestics.

It was a life of long hours and poor pay. As a result, family life was often neglected, and court records tell of children and youth "in trouble" with the law.

Now, as then, Catholic Charities continues its mission of compassion… always in accord with the GOSPEL and CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING, and with a respect for life at every stage.

Serving more than 107,000 individuals in 2007, Catholic Charities provides basic needs and disaster relief, healthcare, counseling, and programs that support and empower the elderly, youth and families throughout the six counties that comprise the Diocese of Pittsburgh: Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington.

And, because our name is Catholic Charities, we serve all, employ all, and welcome all, regardless of religious affiliation.

Our Identity

Catholic Charities is the primary social service agency of the Diocese of Pittsburgh serving all regardless of religious affiliation, at their time of greatest need.

Our Mission

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, rooted in the GOSPEL and SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH, is the primary social service agency of the Diocese. Our mission is to serve with excellence, professionalism, integrity and compassion, the human needs of individuals and families, regardless of their religious affiliation, and to provide leadership in mobilizing the resources of parishes and the wider community in addressing these needs.