Catholic Charities Collection set for Christmas

December 18, 2003

Dear Friends in Christ,

The second collection on Christmas Day in our diocese is for the work of Catholic Charities. It is a custom that goes back for more than fifty years. It is a worthy practice for in the birth of Christ, the perfect gift for the human race, we have the basis of our solidarity with one another. Though our gift-giving is focused on family and friends at Christmas, we need to be "stretched" in our appreciation for the Christ-child to see his image in those beyond our immediate ken but always in the mind of his all embracing love.

Catholic Charities prides itself in being founded upon Christ's all-embracing love. It looks to making that love tangible for people who are generally "overlooked:" the distressed, the confused, the bereaved, the broken and the needy. The offices of Catholic Charities are clustered in certain regions of our diocese like Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Carroll, Storm Lake, and Algona to be a presence that is nearby and active in bringing needed counseling and assistance.

Much of the activity of Catholic Charities is meant to bring people from distress to self-awareness, from confusion to confidence, and from hopelessness to promise and renewal. The work is done by certified professionals who generously sacrifice larger financial gain for the purpose of being part of the church's outreach, of being part of Christ's simple but profound commandment: Love one another.

The people who come to Catholic Charities are frequently in no position to pay for their therapy or counseling. In a recent survey 99 percent indicated their satisfaction as well as their recommendation of Catholic Charities to others. The staff is very quiet and unobtrusive about their work; they may seem almost invisible to us, as invisible as those who come for help. But their work cannot be overlooked.

I ask you to share in stewardship with this basic but extraordinary activity. I ask you to be generous in this Christmas Collection. I ask you not be paralyzed by self-concerns as to forget those who serve and are served within Catholic Charities. Place this collection on your list of "must do" gifts for the celebration of the Lord's Nativity.

With every best wish, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Daniel N. DiNardo
Bishop of Sioux City