According 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.