An outreach of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services has been working to alleviate poverty, hunger and suffering since 1943. Those who suffer from the effects of war, famine and deprivation look to CRS for life-saving support and hope knowing that need, not creed, is the only criterion for assistance. CRS works with the poor in over 75 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Even while responding to emergencies, CRS helps local communities identify long-term solutions to poverty. CRS supports over 2000 development projects designed to build self-sufficiency. The American Bishops Overseas Appeal is the Diocese of Joliet's annual collection for CRS.

CRS sponsors a variety of programs to help parishes understand the dimensions of poverty and create global solidarity, including: CRS Rice Bowl, Fair Trade, CRS Coffee Program, and the Youth Hunger Awareness Retreat,