Christmas collection supports work of Catholic Charities

Dec. 20, 2007

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We were given a new commandment by Christ; 'to love one another.' It is one thing to say, or to hear, 'love one another' and a very different thing to actually focus our energy to put that love for one another into action.

We are all created in the image of God, but it so very easy for all of us to look for and find fault in one another. All of us sin, and most of us judge the sins of others to be greater than our own. All of us fail to live up to the commandment to 'love one another.' If we did live up to the commandment to love one another the world would be a much different place-a much more honorable and respectful place.

Often the failure to love and respect the dignity and value of the lives of all people does great harm. Sometimes it is great harm in our lives, sometimes it is to the lives of others around us.

Where can we go when this happens? Where can we go and find people whose mission is focused on Christ's commandment to 'love one another'? Where can we go and find people that believe in us and who have the training, the experience, and the support to guide us as we find and build upon our strengths so that we can grow and mature as a human being while working through our problems?

Here in the diocese of Sioux City we can go to Catholic Charities and find everyday in their work the depth of meaning of this new commandment from Christ to love one another. They believe in us, and they believe in the core of love God places in all of our hearts. They have the skills, training, experience and support necessary to focus their energy on putting that love for one another into action.

Their mission is an important part of the mission of the church. We as Catholics show our support for Catholic Charities in many ways and in all of the Christmas masses we have a tradition in our diocese of taking up a special collection for the work of Catholic Charities. Please be generous in your support of Catholic Charities this year.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless

Bishop of Sioux City