Believe it or not, saving a soul is more important that saving a life. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 29:19-20) The mission of the Church is to proclaim and establish the Kingdom of God begun by Jesus Christ among all peoples. http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9.shtml#767 At the same time, the Church does not ignore those in need. In 2007, Catholic Charities across the nation provided help for 7,736,855 (unduplicated) people regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds. In all, 171 main Catholic Charities agencies and their 1,668 branches and affiliates provided a myriad of vital, community-based services 13,919,070 times. Catholic Charities: • Provided Food Services to 6,533,080 people • Provided Services that Build Strong Communities to 6,533,080 People • Provided Services that Strengthen Families to 1,156,240 People • Provided Housing Related Services to 532,869 People And that was just in the United States. Similar efforts are ongoing worldwide. http://catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=291&srcid=193 With love in Christ.