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A Letter from the Executive Director Dear Friends and Sponsors of Catholic Charities: Christ was not a man of wealth, but He was a man of power. He sought out the lowly, the discouraged, the weak and the sinful. He touched their souls, and He lifted their spirits. To follow Christ is to serve, putting the needs of others ahead of our own-this is the work of our Catholic Charities. For nearly a century, our Church has left a tremendous legacy of service to the needy in Oklahoma through Catholic Charities. This inheritance is often identified with a building or landmark where orphans, single women, widows and the poor were cared for. It is remembered in the committed service of men and women religious who sacrificed their own lives to preserve a future for the next generation. Most importantly, it is a treasured experience by those whose lives were changed forever, those who have been lifted from poverty and despair and given hope and new life. Today, we confront social issues that are more challenging than those of previous generations. Poverty may not be as visible as it was during the Great Depression, but it affects the lives and future of every person living in the United States. One fourth of all children in Oklahoma grow up in poverty. Unthinkable acts of terrorism and violence are more common. Oklahoma has the highest incidence of mental illness in the United States. Two thirds of all working families, both married and single households, require child care. The number of persons without health care insurance continues to rise and today, more than one fourth of all working Oklahomans have none. There are no easy solutions to the social problems that invade our society. However, by our individual acts of kindness and forgiveness we help bring the grace of God into the lives of other people. Our faith tells us to follow Christ, by seeking and serving those who have lost hope. By sharing a part of what we have with someone in need, we lift the human spirit. Everyone has some gift to bring; everyone has some story to share; everyone has another person to live for. Catholic Charities exists to unite our Church in service so that the Body of Christ is lifted up. Your annual gift to Catholic Charities brings help to women, men, children and families who struggle with loss, pain and isolation. By sharing what God has given us with others, we become one family. As family, we will find ways to restore the lives of those who have been displaced by hard times, poor choices and missed opportunities. When we join hands with the poor, we too are lifted up. The personal stories in this edition are
ones freely given by ‘family’ served directly by Catholic Charities
during the past few months. It is their way of thanking
you for help given in the name of our Church during the past
year. Your help has never been needed more than it is today
and we ask that you prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift.
Please join Catholic Charities in Lifting Up the Human
Spirit! Sincerely yours in Christ, |