For Immediate Release December 24, 2012

Contact: Patricia Cole (571) 527-3344

CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA CALLS FOR CHRISTMAS OF COMPASSION

CEO Rev. Larry Snyder Extends Joyous Blessings and Heartfelt Reminder of the Greatest Gift of All
Alexandria, VARev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), among the nations leading poverty reduction and disaster response organizations, issued his annual Christmas Message today celebrating the goodness of Gods love during this Holy Season of Christmas, and calling for a renewed sense of compassion and understanding among all Americans for the poor and vulnerable in our midst. As the warmth and spirit of Christmas begins to cast its special joy over all of us and our friends and families, may we be reminded of our commitment to serve as the presence of the Lord for others, bringing love and hope to those less fortunate than ourselves, said Fr. Snyder. The birth of our Savior is a time of glowing happiness, and yet equally a time of precious reflection on the true gift of Christ for all our brothers and sisters in need. I ask for special blessings and remembrance during this season for the individuals and families so tragically and indiscriminately impacted by the surge of Hurricane Sandy, Fr. Larry continued. Surely, the greatest gift for them this Christmas is the help they are receiving from so many in putting their lives and homes back together. And ever close to our hearts and thoughts this year are the many innocents who were the victims of the tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. We share the grief of their families and loved ones even as we pray for peace and harmony throughout our world this Christmas season. We also know that as the Christmas calendar moves us closer to year-end, our nations leaders face many critical decisions that will affect human services and the quality of life for all Americans in 2013 and beyond, he added. While we will all pause in our own personal way to celebrate Christmas, may the Administration and members of Congress be driven by a consensus of compassion in their decisions regarding programs that provide for the least among us, and the continuance of the charitable deduction that, to a great extent, makes our work to serve them possible.

About Catholic Charities USA Catholic Charities USA is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USAs members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. For additional information, please visit our website at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

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