Below is a Thanksgiving Day Message and Blessing from Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, and from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown.

During this holiday season, we at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown are faced with an increased demand for services such as our food pantries and St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchens.  

For additional information on our local programs and services and to learn ways you can help, please contact  Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown. 

May you and yours have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day Message and Blessing

“Do not forget the millions living in poverty that aren’t as fortunate as we are”

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), among the nation’s largest human services organizations working to reduce poverty in America, is mindful this Thanksgiving of the millions in our nation that face the challenges of hunger, unemployment, and homelessness.  This week, as families with the resources to do so gather to share in thanks and gratitude, Rev. Larry Snyder, president of CCUSA, reminds us to reach out to those in need:

“Soon, we will be sharing food around the Thanksgiving table with our friends and family.  But we must not forget the millions of individuals living in poverty in communities across the country who are not as fortunate as we are. 

“This is especially true around the holiday season, as food pantries face increased demand and some struggle to keep enough food stocked to meet the needs of individuals that seek assistance. 

“Feeding the hungry is mandated by Scripture and is one of the core tenets of Catholic social justice. Across the country local agencies support a vast network of soup kitchens and food pantries, emergency shelters, temporary and transitional housing and permanent affordable housing, to help homeless families and individuals.

“On this Thanksgiving, I am eternally grateful for the backbone of the Catholic Charities network-- the hundreds of thousands of individuals that lend their hearts and hands at local Catholic Charities agencies each year.  

“Our Catholic values, teachings, and traditions are the foundation for the work we do at CCUSA.  I urge everyone to think of the millions of individuals living in poverty which represent children, single parents, and consider donating at least one dollar, one hour, one canned good, to support programs and services in your community that provide assistance to those in need.”

***

Each year Catholic Charities serves over 10 million people regardless of their religious, social or economic backgrounds.  To learn more about the programs and services in your local community, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.