Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
And the Word became flesh and made its dwelling among us. John 1:14
May God bless you during this holy Christmas season! This weekend, our parishes will take up the annual collection for Catholic Charities.
We’ve all heard the expression, words are a dime a dozen. If they mean anything, words must be backed up with action. I love you is a wonderful sentiment but can be meaningless if not supported by deeds of care, thoughtfulness and service.
During this beautiful Christmas season, we reflect on how God’s words of love and mercy were backed up with one of the greatest movements of human history, the Word becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ — the mystery of the Incarnation.
That Word continues to become flesh in you and me, especially through our concrete expressions of love and care for our neighbor. Through these actions, many people, especially our most vulnerable, encounter Emmanuel — God with us.
During the Year of Mercy just ended, we answered the call of Pope Francis to reflect upon and put into practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The many programs and services at Catholic Charities, carried out by skilled staff and dedicated volunteers, embody these works of mercy every day.
Your support of this special collection for Catholic Charities allows us to fund these programs and to respond to new needs that present themselves. Thus, I encourage your generous response to this collection.
During this Christmas season, please take the time to step back and think about how you are a part of the good being multiplied all around you. Ponder how you can be that visible face of Christ, the Word of God made flesh. Please know that you and your families are in my prayers, as I ask God’s blessing on each of you during this holy time of year.
Sincerely yours in Our Lord,
Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D.
Archbishop of Louisville
