Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota

06/17/2026

We invite you TODAY to join us in praying for refugees and all those seeking safety, peace, and the opportunity to build a new life. Whether you attend one of our prayer gatherings or pause for a moment of prayer wherever you are, your support and solidarity make a difference.

Today's prayer opportunities:

St. John the Baptist, Mankato | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
St. Pius X, Rochester | 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Through our Refugee Services program, Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota helps individuals and families find employment, connect with resources, and build a sense of belonging in their new communities.

Please keep refugees and those who serve them in your prayers today. A Day of Prayer booklet: https://canva.link/catholiccharitiesworldrefugeedayprayers

06/15/2026

Apply today!

Onward and Upward helps single parents achieve an associates degree or diploma in the healthcare field through scholarships, mentoring, and emergency financial assistance. Apply by June 30, 2026!
Learn more and apply online today. https://www.ccsomn.org/onwardandupward/

06/14/2026

🌎🙏 Join us for a Day of Prayer for Refugees on Wednesday, June 17.

Together, we will pray for refugees and all those seeking safety, hope, and a new beginning. You are invited to participate at one of our host locations or join us in prayer from your parish, home, workplace, or wherever you may be.

St. John the Baptist, Mankato | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
St. Pius X, Rochester | 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Catholic Charities Refugee Services helps refugee neighbors across Southern Minnesota through employment services, cultural orientation, resource connections, and support as they build new lives in our communities.

Check our A Day of Prayer for Refugees prayer booklet https://canva.link/catholiccharitiesworldrefugeedayprayers

06/12/2026

Building friendships across generations!

This school year, 115 fourth-grade students from St. Mary's School and Washington Elementary in Owatonna participated in our Pen Pal Project, exchanging letters with adults age 55 and older throughout the community.

After sharing four letters over the course of the year, students and their senior pen pals met in person last week to celebrate the friendships they had built.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota's Active Aging Program and AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, this project highlights the value of intergenerational connections and stronger communities.

We're excited to continue the program and begin planning for another successful year this July!

Read more about the day in the Steel County Times https://steelecountytimes.com/dear-rae-im-only-child-too?fbclid=IwY2xjawSZLy1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzb3JUSkxkcWkyTU15NkVWc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjv9m3okzAVjHa7f6CBBtgwl0a2GN0UK1xLNzT1OmMpFhSYh055HhynSYOV6_aem_AKpSJStQMBYAVlfxTATVXA

Community News 21 May 2026 Dear Rae, I’m an only child, too Judy Weinke, left, helps her pen pal Owen Sorensen, front right, do a word scramble during a meet-and-greet May 6. Also pictured are Tim and Linda Rice, back left and back right, and their pen pals, Isaac Bissen (partially hidden) and Ree...

06/07/2026

06/05/2026

05/31/2026

As families in our region continue recovering from recent storms, your support can make a meaningful difference. ❤️ Catholic Charities is helping neighbors rebuild and recover. Donate to help local families rebuild at www.ccsomn.org/disaster

https://www.kttc.com/2026/05/20/rochester-community-invited-support-tornado-recovery-efforts-olmsted-county/

After tornadoes last month, recovery efforts are in place in Olmsted County.

05/29/2026

We started sharing diapers at 9am and have steadily been seeing families. We are at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds until 12pm. Stop by with a copy of your child's birth certificate or footprint card to receive free diapers, pullups and wipes!

05/27/2026

When disaster strikes, our community comes together. ❤️ Catholic Charities Disaster Services is helping families recover, rebuild, and find hope after devastating storms in our region. We are accepting financial donations through May 31 to support recovery efforts. Donate today at www.ccsomn.org/disaster. THANK YOU!

05/20/2026

We have a new diaper pop-up distribution location! Catholic Charities will be providing free diapers, pullups and baby wipes in Albert Lea on Friday, May 29. Please bring a copy of each child's birth certificate or footprint card to register. We look forward to seeing you there!