Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The coming birth of our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas fills our hearts with joy. This is much richer and deeper than the mere pleasures and happiness of the holiday season – family gatherings, special foods, giving and receiving gifts, lights and special songs. All these things can be good, but not everyone gets to enjoy these things. Yet Christmas is most certainly for everyone. Our Christian joy, then, is sparked by the deeper meaning of Christ’s coming: Emmanuel, God is with us. The God whose very nature is peace and love, taking mercy upon us in our wanderings far from Him, comes to us to call us home.

In the closing weeks of this challenging year 2020, this joy also moves our hearts with compassion for the ongoing suffering of others, for we have all been reminded that no one is immune to the dangers of this life. Certainly, we hope and pray that the new year will bring with it new solutions to physical, social, and financial toll of the pandemic. But again, merely material trappings of success, such as a vaccine, are not enough. What is most needed in the face of suffering, as always, is the love, hope, and healing Christ alone offers. And our Lord calls each one of us, at different times and in different ways, to both give and receive that love, hope, and healing.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Sioux City has been doing this for more than 75 years. Concentrating on the chronically underserved need for mental health services, while also providing other resources and forms of outreach where possible, our Catholic Charities touches the lives of some of the poorest and most vulnerable among us. The need for these services has only increased because of the pandemic, especially among children, adolescents, and those particularly isolated. The expansion of telehealth services has also allowed Catholic Charities to reach more of these people safely.

I am so grateful to have this excellent branch of ministry working throughout our diocese, alongside our clergy and many lay ministries. Last year, Catholic Charities served over 3500 families and individuals in need. Anyone who may be experiencing anxiety or depression, difficulties in marriage, any form of trauma or loss, or a child in difficulty or in need of help, can turn to or be referred to Catholic Charities for assistance. These are, of course, very common aspects of our human condition, and no one needs to bear such a burden alone.

Please remember to pray for the good work of our Catholic Charities. Please also consider making a generous donation, if you are able, to help keep the welcoming doors open to all. If you are able to attend Christmas Mass this year, you will have an opportunity to donate, or you can donate directly to our Catholic Charities office, either online or through the mail. Every prayer and gift helps to bring the light of Christ, and His hope, healing, and understanding, to another of God’s beloved children.

May the graces and blessings of this Advent season and the Christmas just ahead fill you with God’s abundant peace and joy. Merry Christmas!

Your brother in Christ,

Most Rev. R Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City

About Catholic Charities: Give via your special collection offering envelope,