Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
On Christmas Day we celebrate the “Word became flesh.” In Scripture, we read that the Word — Jesus — came not to be served, but to serve. By word and action, Jesus expressed concern for the poor, the disenfranchised, the ill, and those who had lost a sense of direction.
We are called to see, hear, and integrate God’s revelation in Jesus into our own lives. During this Holy season, we are grateful to God for the blessings our families enjoy. At the same time, we see and hear about our brothers and sisters who are in need of our loving service — a service of compassionate concern and action in Christ’s name — that turns the darkness of despair into the light of hope.
Catholic Charities is the ministry that responds on behalf of the Archdiocese to those in need through a variety of programs: Pregnancy and Adoption Services, Migration & Refugee Services, Legal Immigration Services, low-cost housing development and other vital services for seniors, and the Sister Visitor Center.
Each day, the volunteers and staff of Catholic Charities provide help and create hope in our community. Through your support of the collection that is taken up for Catholic Charities on Christmas, those who seek the services of Catholic Charities will realize in their lives the compassionate presence of a God who loves them. I encourage your generous response to this collection.
As we enter into the Christmas season, please take the time to step back and look at the good being multiplied all around you. Contemplate the activity of God’s Spirit in your midst. Wonder at the miracles being performed every day.
I wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a joy-filled New Year.
Sincerely yours in Our Lord,
Most Reverend
Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D.
Archbishop of Louisville
