GSP connects a U.S. diocese with one served by CRS, in a mutually-enriching relationship. A CRS Global Solidarity Partnership provides opportunities for project support, education, exchange visits, faith sharing and advocacy in the Metuchen Diocese on behalf of the world's poor and marginalized.

Over the last 20 years, CRS has expanded its relief and development efforts, as well as its embrace of Catholic Social Teaching, promoting projects founded on deepening relationships and the virtue of solidarity as part of making material improvements in the lives of the poor.

Agreed upon in 2003, with the first public actions occurring in early 2004, leadership of CRS Metuchen's Global Solidarity Partnership consists of our CRS Metuchen volunteers and designated Catholic Charities representatives from the Diocese of Metuchen, along with our counterparts in Santa Rosa. Leadership at CRS Guatemala's country program completes the three-sided relationship.

But the Global Solidarity Partnership is also a call to engage the entire Diocese of Metuchen. Parishes, schools, youth groups, parish organizations, clergy and lay leaders can all use their ministries to further the Guatemalan partnership. As of early 2008, approximately 60 people have been part of more than a dozen delegation trips. Many more have offered their time, prayers, expertise and funds to help accomplish our goals. The success of the Global Solidarity Partnership will ultimately lie in the depth of commitment of the people of the Diocese of Metuchen and the Diocese of Santa Rosa, working actively and mutually to achieve goals.