CARITAS For Children
A Catholic Lay Apostolate
The Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity defines the mission of the lay Christian faithful to both "lead non-believers to the faith and to instruct, strengthen, and encourage the faithful to a more fervent life".
As a Lay Apostolate of the Catholic Church, CARITAS For Children is made up of laypeople and consecrated religious. Together, they exercise a ministry in cooperation with the Catholic Church and her ecclesiastical authorities. Apostolates such as CARITAS For Children operate with the permission of the local Ordinary of a Diocese, but without his financial support.
In addition to its status as a Lay Apostolate, CARITAS has received the further distinction as a Private Juridic Person according to Canon Law 114§1. Rev. Lagges, Judician Vicar of the Archdiocese of Chicago has described the conferring of a Juridic Personality as akin to the Church’s “seal of approval” confirming that its purpose is in keeping with the general purpose of the Catholic Church.
Below are links to the Decree of Private Juridic Person for CARITAS For Children:
