Celebrating Holidays in December

December 16, 2022

Dear Friends:

Each year during December, Christians around the world reflect on the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, during the celebration of Christmas. Christmas and Easter are the two foundational holidays where Christians celebrate the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus for our Salvation. But as an organization, Catholic Charities also recognizes and honors other religious and cultural celebrations that occur this time of year.

 

As you know, Catholic Charities is an organization founded in the Catholic faith, especially the Catholic social teachings and faith principles of service and justice. It is these same principles that guide our agency to reach out to all, regardless of their faith tradition or spiritual identity, today. 
 
This time of year is filled with various religious holidays and cultural observances. These include but are not limited to the following:
 
Hanukkah: the eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, is often called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah and traditional foods, games and gifts each night for eight days, honoring the miracle of the oil that kept the Maccabees lights lit centuries ago. This year Hanukkah is celebrated December 18th-26th. 
 
Christmas: celebrated on December 25th, Christmas is a sacred religious holiday for Christians. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with various cultural and religious traditions. Christmas Day celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God, and whose life and teachings form the basis of the Christian religion. Popular Christmas customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church services, and sharing meals or traditional treats with family and friends.
 
Kwanzaa: Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African Americans together as a community. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. Kwanzaa takes place each year December 26th - January 1st, and each night includes a discussion of one of the Seven Principles, or African cultural values, called the "Nguzo Saba" in Swahili. 

As you can see, this time of year holds an abundance of religious and cultural differences. And at Catholic Charities, we believe that religious differences should be celebrated, not separated. 
 
So regardless of which holidays you may or may not be celebrating in the coming weeks, and what festivities you and your loved ones may be enjoying, I want to wish you a fun, safe, peace and joy-filled remainder of your December and start of your new year. 
 
Blessings,
 
Steve
 ______
 
Stephen Pareja  | Executive Director
D 320.650.1530     F 320.650.1509 

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud
911 18th Street North, St. Cloud, MN 56303
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By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.

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