Catholic Organizations - Newhall, What is the ICF?
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Catholic Organizations - Italian Catholic Federation: The Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) is a non-profit, 14,000 member organization founded in San Francisco, at the Immaculate Conception Church, in 1924. The structure of the Italian Catholic Federation can be seen here. The governing body, or Central Council, has independent authority in certain specific matters and serves as a guarantee that no deviation from Catholic principles occur. For more information on the history of the ICF read about its history.

Who can Join the ICF??

The ICF organization is Italian in origin, but we always welcome new members of all nationalities as we feel that our organization has something to offer everyone. Catholics (either by birth or conversion) are invited to join. We are also a Family Organization where all members of the Family, of all ages, are welcome. Just as the ethnic diversity of America has changed over the years, so has the Italian Catholic Federation. There are many members who are not of Italian Ethnicity or descent but who share the ideals of the ICF and respect the Italian heritage of its founders. We promote our organization and heritage through social events, food and music. For more information, go to Who Can Join.

How to Join the ICF

To find out if there is a chapter in your area, call toll free 1-888-423-1924; or look under ICF Branches. If there is no chapter in your area you may become an Associate Member, or, if you are interested in assisting to establish a chapter or branch in your area, please call us or see Starting a Branch.

What does the ICF do?

We award scholarships to Catholic elementary and high school students and grants to assist the developmentally disabled. Our Mario Cugia Scholarship promotes Italian studies. We are a major supporter of the Cooley's Anemia research and treatment program at Oakland Children's Hospital, and we sponsor an Organ Donor Awareness program.
The Pope John XXIII Award is presented annually to an outstanding lay person who best exemplifies the humanitarian qualities of this revered pope. The "Mother Teresa" award recognizes and honors a priest, nun, deacon or brother for admirable humanitarian work. We also honor a "Family of the Year" and, bestow the "Grand President's Award" for exceptional community service in the spirit of the ICF.

We are a Catholic organization that promotes the following:
1. We receive communion as a group.
2. We support parish school and CCD programs.
3. We support our parishes with time and money.
4. We visit rest homes and work with the elderly, the needy, and the developmentally disabled.
5. We support life pregnancy services and Birthright.
6. We support our Clergy and Seminarians with a yearly contribution for the training of seminarians.
7. We donate scholarships to high school students.
8. We do many other apostolic and charitable works in our community.

In addition, we sponsor dinners, dances, trips, and heritage festas because we believe social interaction is important. Many of its members have been in the ICF for over twenty years.  

What is the Next Step?

You've read this far, so if you have additional questions, call our toll free mumber 1-888-423-1924 for a chapter in your area or look under Starting a Branch. Our dues are modest and we need everyone, young and older. We invite you to join as as we continue to do God's work. When you phone the toll free number, don't forget to ask them for the meaning of the logo at the top of this page.

Song - Someone to Watch Over Me

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