December 2, 2007

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“Jesus identifies himself with those in need, with the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison. . . . Love of God and love of neighbor have become one: in the least of the brethren we find Jesus himself, and in Jesus we find God” (Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est ). Yes, loving the less fortunate of our neighbors reminds us of our duty to love God and find Him in those who need us most.

Next week, the annual second collection for Catholic Charities will provide an opportunity for charitable giving in all of our churches. Your support of our diocesan Catholic Charities enables it to provide services to many needy and distressed individuals in our community.

With your contributions, Catholic Charities will also be able to continue its efforts to expand services throughout our diocese. Last year, it initiated the Christ House on Wheels program that delivers needed food, household items, and school supplies to low-income families in rural areas. This year, it opened a new office in the Leesburg area and completely renovated Christ House, a homeless shelter for men. Plans for a family shelter are now underway.

Moreover, last year, the agency assisted nearly 25,000 people through its soup kitchen, food pantry, hypothermia shelter, rent and utilities assistance, services for the elderly, mental-health counseling, aid to women in crisis pregnancies, adoption and foster care programs, immigrant assistance, aid to the disabled, parish social ministry, and prison ministry. Please help keep these programs strong and viable through your generous support during the December 8-9 second collection for Catholic Charities.

“Within the community of believers there can never be room for a poverty that denies anyone what is needed for a dignified life” (Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est ). I ask you to be generous with your sacrificial gift this season so that all our needy brothers and sisters in Christ may experience His love made visible through us.

Joining you in this outreach to the least of our brothers and sisters, I remain,

Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde

Bishop of Arlington

 

Office of the Bishop • Diocese of Arlington
200 North Glebe Road • Suite 914 • Arlington, Virginia 22203
Tel: (703) 841-2511 • Fax: (703) 524-5028