To bring the healing, help, and hope of Jesus Christ to those in need with a compassionate, caring presence.

Vision

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis will be a premier leader in community renewal and a visible catalyst for social outreach by connecting with people, parishes, and ministries committed to a meaningful communion of care to those in need across every square mile of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Values

DIGNITY: We love and serve each person as made in the image of God.

“God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27

“I have to love my neighbor as the image of God and the object of His love, and to act in such a way that people, in their turn, love their Creator, who knows them and acknowledges them as His brothers, whom He has saved, and that by mutual charity they love one another for love of God, who has loved them so much as to hand over His own Son to death for them.” – St. Vincent de Paul

HOSPITALITY: We are to be and see Christ in those we serve.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was I prison and you came to visit me.” –Matthew 25:35-36

“Let us truly love each other in Him, but let us love Him in each other since we are His.”–St. Louise de Marillac

SERVICE: We always welcome joyfully any opportunity to be in the presence of Christ.

“Do you know what I have done for you? You call me teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, Your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” –John 13:12-14

“If God is the center of your life, no words are necessary. Your mere presence will touch hearts.” –St. Vincent de Paul

EXCELLENCE: We give our very best to people God calls us to encounter.

“There are many gifts, but the same Lord…it is through sharing our gifts that we build the body of Christ in our midst.” –1 Corinthians 12:4-12

“The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God, secondly, to do it in a manner he wills it; and thirdly to do it because it is his will.” –St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

COMPASSION: We seek to journey with our sisters and brothers.

“Therefore, God’s chosen people, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.” –Colossians 3:12, 14-15

“We must be moved by our neighbor’s suffering and share in his sorrow.” –St. Vincent de Paul

JOY: We bring a fullness for life and look to bring healing, help, and hope in every encounter.

“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” –John 15:11-12

“Oh, what joy to be a child of God!” –St. Louise de Marillac