Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota

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!

05/19/2026

Happy Anniversary to two incredible volunteers, Tim and Penny! ❤️

Instead of celebrating only for themselves, they chose to spend part of their special day serving others in our community. Tim spent time helping provide assistance to neighbors in need through our Door Ministry, while Penny tackled a very large stack of paperwork without hesitation.

Your kindness, generosity, and servant hearts are such a gift to us and to everyone you help. We are so grateful for both of you.

Happy Anniversary, Tim and Penny and thank you for making your love a blessing to others!

05/14/2026

To learn about placing a child for adoption in Minnesota, call us at 507-287-7807 ext 2.

05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, we honor the love, strength, and compassion of mothers and mother figures in our lives. 💐

It’s also the start of our Annual Appeal— a time to come together to support our neighbors in need across Southern Minnesota.

We are so grateful for each of you who shares in this mission. Together, our shared mission makes Christ’s compassion visible in the world. Your support provides shelter, assistance, and hope.

If you feel called to give, please consider making a gift today, every dollar stays right here in Southern Minnesota. Donate at https://www.ccsomn.org/2026-annual-appeal/

Thank you for helping us share care and compassion in our community. 💛