Less than two months into his Papacy, Pope Francis emphasized charity as the essence of the Christian life when he told a general audience that the Gospel (Mt 25:41) “tells us that we will be judged by God on charity, on how we have loved our brothers and sisters, especially the weakest and most needy of them”
It was an emphatic yes to Cain’s infamous question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9). In a society that tends to hide the “weakest and most needy” from our sight, Catholic Charities becomes our hands in reaching out to the homeless, the hungry, the abandoned and the needy.
Catholic Charities provides the opportunity for individuals to assist personally in their ministry through their volunteer programs. Their agencies also offer direct financial and material assistance to desperate families and individuals; they provide help to refugees and legal aid and resettlement services to immigrants.
Services to senior citizens are offered through the Brady Center, including nutritional meals and fellowship activities. Many lives have been touched through the pregnancy and adoption programs.
Their Mission Statement says it well and reflects St. Paul’s words, “The love of Christ urges us on.” (2 Cor. 5:14) Motivated by the teachings and love of Jesus Christ, Catholic Charities of Dallas serves, advocates for, and empowers people in need regardless of race, religion, age, gender or national origin and calls the community to action.
I commend the leadership and the many associates of Catholic Charities for carrying the love and compassion of Jesus to “the weakest and most needy” of our diocese.
Next Sunday, (Nov. 2-3) is Catholic Charities Sunday. It is our opportunity to participate in the many works of Catholic Charities. Please be generous.
As the Holy Father said last week, “Do not get tired of bringing the mercy of the Father to the poor, the sick, the abandoned, the young people and families.”
Their need is endless and your support is priceles
This post is also available in/Esta entrada también está disponible en: Spanish