Daughters of Divine Charity Christmas Appeal

Dear Friend of the Sisters,

 Keep Christ in your Christmas.  These words appear on a lawn sign affixed to a house I passed last week.  It seemed so obvious, yet it lingered with me all afternoon…and forced me to think.

 Christmas is Jesus’ birthday!  It’s a family time.   It’s a busy time, cleaning, shopping, decorating, writing cards, cooking.  So much to do!  When do I have time for Christ?

Shopping for each gift I give takes thought and time.  What will they like, what will make them happy?  Caring for others sounds like Jesus.  Writing each card I include a personal message.  I think of the memories and acknowledge each person’s importance in my life. Thank you, Lord, for giving me all these people.  Decorating my home I’m sure to put the angel in a prominent place, guarding the front door, and position the nativity perfectly under the tree.  Everyone should know this is a Christian home, and I can’t wait to tell the little ones the nativity story!  Cleaning and cooking, I am keenly aware of all that I have and am able to do for my loved ones.  Without you, Jesus, I am nothing.

One of the Sisters once told me that everything you do can be a prayer and reflect your Catholic beliefs.   I learned my lessons very well from my parents and the Sisters who taught me. Keeping Christ in Christmas should be more than going to midnight Mass or placing a gift for the needy under the Giving Tree. It should be including Jesus in all our activities as we prepare for and enjoy this wondrous holiday. 

 As the Daughters of Divine Charity celebrate the Christmas season, they will include you and all your special intentions in their prayers and novena of Masses.

I wish you the unfailing faith of Mary and Joseph, the humble joy of the shepherds, and the wisdom of the wise men during this holy season and throughout the New Year. May Jesus bless our earth with peace and foster good will among all nations.   

Merry Christmas!

Elizabeth Johnsen

Director of Development

Daughters of Divine Charity

P.S. Won’t you please consider a special gift at this Christmas time? This year the Sisters need our help to complete their chapel, the heart of their community life. What a difference a gift of $100 or more can make.