A Shepherd's Message - Sept. 23, 2025

Faith in Action: A Year of Mercy and Transformation

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, I am deeply grateful and inspired by the work of Catholic Charities — one of the social services arms of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston — and its unwavering commitment to serving those most in need. 

This past year was marked by challenges — including the impact of Hurricane Beryl, economic uncertainty, and significant reductions in funding and staffing. Despite these difficulties, this agency brought hope to this local Church by standing firm in its mission to witness to Christ’s compassion and service.  

Catholic Charities helps people throughout the Archdiocese, serving people where they are, with service hubs in Harris, Fort Bend and Galveston counties. Whether it’s a mother seeking food for her children, a senior needing assistance, or a parent who needs help finding a job to support their family, the agency opens its doors to all — serving people of every faith and background with dignity and love. 

This agency is motivated by the Lord’s words: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).  

This year, Catholic Charities’ three food pantries in Harris, Fort Bend and Galveston distributed 4.2 million pounds of food to prevent hunger for families facing rising costs. Housing programs offered stability and hope to 2,343 families to rescue them from homelessness. 

Mental health counseling supported 583 individuals coping with grief, anxiety and trauma, while children in inner-city Catholic schools received 1,295 sessions with licensed bilingual counselors. 

Catholic Charities provides a path out of poverty through a network of life-changing programs that work together to build self-sufficiency and address the root causes of poverty through holistic support. 

Clients are connected to services such as job training and financial literacy education, empowering them to build a better future. This approach reflects a deeper understanding of what it means to walk alongside our neighbors, not just serve them. 

I am extremely proud and filled with gratitude for the staff, volunteers, donors and partners who make this mission possible. Your dedication ensures that the poor, the hungry, the immigrant, the refugee and the forgotten are not only seen but embraced. 

As we look ahead, may we continue to be guided by faith, strengthened by hope and united in love. Catholic Charities is not just an agency — it is a ministry, a movement and a manifestation of Christ’s presence in our world. ​