Peter's Pence

"Let us make sure that none of God's children ever feels alone." 
−Pope Benedict XVI−

In September of 2006, Pope Benedict XVI gave a homily in which he explained that those who are baptized create one family of believers who are never alone.  The Peter's Pence Collection unites us in solidarity to the Holy See and its works of charity to those in need.  Your generosity allows the Pope to respond to our suffering brothers and sisters with promptness, love, and compassion, so God's people will not feel alone in their time of misfortune.  

The Peter's Pence Collection derives its name from an ancient custom. In ninth-century England. King Alfred the Great collected money – a "pence" - from landowners as financial support for the Pope. Today, the Peter's Pence Collection supports the Pope's philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression, and disease. 

The USCCB National Collections Committee will oversee the Peter's Pence Collection and is comprised of the following members: Archbishop John Vlazny, Chairman; Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Bishop Jacob Angadiath, Bishop Thomas Costello, Bishop Ronald Herzog, Bishop Roger Morin, Bishop John Ricard, S.S.J., Bishop Jaime Soto, Bishop Michael Warfel.

The purpose of the Peter's Pence Collection is to provide the Holy Father with the financial means to respond with emergency assistance to those who are suffering as a result of war, oppression, natural disaster, and disease. This collection was started centuries ago to provide financial support for the Pope and has evolved to fund the Holy See's charitable actions for those in need.

The Peter's Pence Collection has raised nearly $190 million to support our suffering brothers and sisters around the globe. THANK YOU for standing in solidarity with the Holy See with your generosity. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in faith who are facing adversity.

The national collection date for the Peter's Pence Collection is the weekend of June 22-24th 2012. Your diocese may take up the Collection at a different time. Check with your diocese or call the USCCB Office of National Collections Promotions department at 202-541-3346.

If your diocese takes up the Collection at another time, please remember that collection resources are always available.

Please give generously to the Peter's Pence Collection in your parish. Or you may wish to send your donation to:

Peter's Pence Collection
The Apostolic Nunciature
3339 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008