Catholics During the Great Depression

David Naglieri

February 5, 2009
focus_logo.jpgAccording to most economic forecasters the prognosis in 2009 is pretty dismal. Everday we are greeted with newspaper headlines informing us about massive layoffs, falling stock prices, and gut wrenching stories of young people unable to find work and retirees facing the loss of their life savings. The Catholic Church is not exempt from the effects of this deepening recession. Some parishes have delayed new construction, others have been forced to trim their staff, and cut important programs. As we enter into these difficult financial waters, Catholic Focus decided to take a look back at how the Church responded to the worst economic crisis in modern history: The Great Depression of the 1930's.
Airing this Thursday February 5th at 7:00 pm and 11pm ET, with an encore presentation Sunday, February 8th at the same times, Catholics and the Great Depression offers an inspirational view of a dark period in our nation's history. Tune in and learn about the incredible work of Catholics such as Rev. Dr. Moses Coady, Catherine de Hueck Doherty and Henry Somerville, three key figures who helped create a social justice consciousness in Canada, and in so doing transformed a period of suffering into growth for the Church in Canada.