Dear Friend,

Do you look forward to Christmas as much as I do? I never cease to be excited as I consider the beauty and wonder of the Divine Infant in the crèche, the sparkling lights of the Christmas tree, the carols at midnight Mass, the exchange of gifts on Christmas morning. What joy fills my heart when I think of Christmas!

Christmas is such an unbelievably awesome gift. That is why gift-giving is at the heart of this celebration. People give gifts at Christmas for all sorts of reasons. For some, it is a way to celebrate with family and friends. For those of us who love and follow Jesus, it’s much more than that. We give gifts to remember the outstanding gift God gave to the world over 2,000 years ago on that very first Christmas morning – Jesus – the best of all gifts!

“For God so loved the world that He gave us his only Son.” (John 3:16). In Jesus Christ, God became like us, so that we could become like Him. What an amazing gift! That’s why giving and receiving gifts is at the heart of the Christmas celebration. We give gifts to imitate the abundant generosity of the Divine Gift-giver, who poured Himself out in loving service and continues to enfold us in His love even now.

We Sisters of Charity strive to imitate that generous self-giving, and you have helped us to do that by your generous support. Friend, can we count on you once again this Christmas? As you prepare your heart to receive that best of Gift – Jesus – I ask you to please consider making a gift to the Sisters of Charity.

Friend, your offering of whatever your means allows, will truly assist us to be gifts to others through our ministries of educating the students in our schools, caring for the sick and the elderly, and reaching out to the poor.

Because of your goodness, our Sister-teachers and principals impact the lives of young people through our ministry of education.

Your kindness assists our Sister-nurses to continue to provide long-term compassionate care of our “treasured elderly” in our healthcare facilities.

Your thoughtfulness provides the means for our Sisters to be a supportive presence to the poor and less fortunate, especially the hungry who come to our food pantry and families seeking refuge in our homeless shelter.

You do even more! Your generosity also ensures that our young Sisters receive the professional and spiritual formation they need to carry the mission of the Sisters of Charity well into the future. And your faithful contributions help us care for our dear elderly and infirm Sisters with the love and dignity they deserve, after a life poured out in loving service to others.

You are a treasured gift to us, and we wanted to thank you. This Christmas, we wanted to share our hearts with you. So, as a reminder of how special you are to us, we have written a song for you. We have also created a CD that will help you to remember that Our Blessed Mother holds you close to her heart, just as closely as she holds her Infant Son. Know that Our Blessed Mother loves you tenderly and knows you by name. Rest gently in her arms. She will see you through life’s ups and downs.

We have gifts for you: be the first to hear our Sisters singing an original Christmas song: “Christmas Live in Us,” both lyrics and music composed by the Sisters for you! Scan the QR code to listen. With a gift of $25 or more, you will receive the CD, which includes the song as well as reflections on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, composed and prayed by the Sisters. We offer you as well the gift of our prayers. Send us your requests. We will pray for them during the Octave of Masses celebrated in our Motherhouse Chapel, December 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023.

We are truly grateful and blessed that you are a part of our family and share in our ministry. We could not do it without you! Please be assured that we will be good stewards of your financial gifts and we thank you for your faith in us to continue to care for God’s children.

As you celebrate the miracle and wonder that is Christmas, may your heart and home be filled with peace and happiness. May the blessings of this Holy Season remain with you every day of the year.

Gratefully, in Mary, Mother of the Church,

Mother Marie Julie,
SCMC Superior General