Help others through Catholic Charities

December 16, 2004

Dear Friends in Christ,

Gift giving at Christmas is a custom for most people. It is done because of our love for our family and friends. The most perfect gift each of us has is Christ, the Son of God, whose birth is celebrated on Christmas. Christ is God's gift to you and me because of His all-embracing love.

A custom for all parish families in our Diocese, which goes back for more than fifty years, is a second collection at all Christmas Masses for the work of Catholic Charities. It is truly a worthy practice, for in the birth of Christ, the perfect gift for the human race, we have our solidarity with one another. It also is a fulfillment of the commandment, "Love one another as I have loved you" that Christ has given to each of us. To love one another is indeed the mission of Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities prides itself in being founded upon Christ's all embracing love. It works to make that love touch those people often "overlooked:" the confused, distressed, the bereaved, the broken and the needy. With the offices of Catholic Charities clustered in regions of our diocese like Algona, Carroll, Fort Dodge, Sioux City and Storm Lake, there is a nearby presence to actively bring needed counseling and assistance. This work by certified professionals, of which is often done by sacrificing larger personal financial gain, show to us what is being part of Christ's commandment "love one another" signifies.

The people who come to and benefit from this therapy or counseling by Catholic Charities personnel frequently are in no position to pay. Still the staff is very quiet and unobtrusive about their work because these broken and needy people are satisfied with their work and recommend others to receive help as needed.

Our custom of gift giving to family and friends out of love is good. So too, I pray and ask that you not stop there. Continue the custom of our people in each parish to be generous in the Christmas collection for those who serve and are served within Catholic Charities. This will truly be a gift of love from you as Christ is a gift of love from God; a real exchange of gifts.

The face of Christ will be seen in you who give and in those who receive.

With every best personal wish, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Roger J. Augustine
Diocesan Administrator