CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities will host a free “Lunch & Learn” on Wednesday, March 19, exploring the work of Catholic Relief Services in Guatemala. Deacon Daren Bitter, who serves at St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte and is a CRS Global Fellow, will reflect on a visit he made to Guatemala in January.
CRS, the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic bishops, has worked in Guatemala since 1963. Initially, the agency focused on humanitarian assistance, including a food distribution program, health care of mothers and children, agriculture and reforestation activities.
CRS also provided $13 million in food, medicine and relief items to those affected by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in 1976 that killed 23,000 people and left many thousands homeless. Over the years, its scope has grown to include programs focused on food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, education, civil society, disaster risk reduction and emergency response.
The Lunch & Learn event will be held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, located at 1123 S. Church St. in Charlotte. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., with a light lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by the presentation at noon.
For more details, go to www.ccdoc.org/education. Reserve your spot by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Monday, March 17.
— Joe Purello