Catholic Charities Christmas Collection

By Bishop Paul S. Loverde
Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 12/08/05)

Dec. 2, 2005

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we journey through Advent, we cannot help but intensify our focus on our destination: Jesus Christ. Soon we will once again gather to relive His Birth and Coming among us.

Will we welcome Him with open and joyous hearts? Will we welcome Him in the poor and needy? I pray that we will.

One of the most tangible ways we can welcome Him is by assisting our diocesan Catholic Charities. Because of your past generosity, Catholic Charities was able to provide critical services to those in need—from emergency assistance, family counseling, aid to the elderly and disabled, crisis pregnancy counseling, adoption assistance, to immigrant assistance and prison ministry. The need remains great. Your sacrificial gift is vital if we are to continue, as a diocesan family of faith, to help the poor and vulnerable in our midst.

The second collection for Catholic Charities will take place the weekend of Dec. 10-11. I remain grateful for your generous support last year, and am confident that, recalling God’s love for us so visible in the Birth of Jesus, you will continue to be generous this year.

Asking the Lord Jesus to bless you and your loved ones as we prepare to celebrate His Birth, I remain

Faithfully in Christ,

Copyright ©2005 Arlington Catholic Herald.  All rights reserved.