John Schulte from Catholic Charities, St. Francis Community Services.

A couple of months ago I talked about how compassion led to joy within our Pathways to Progress program. This month I’d like to talk about how compassion and hospitality leads to joy during a Christmas party that we had for our folks that are new to the United States. St. Clement of Rome, St. Genevieve du Bois, St. Joe’s in Cottleville, Nerinex Hall, Cor Jesu, Desmet, St. Louis U High…they all got together to throw a party for people who haven’t been in the country for more than a year. It’s their first Christmas in the United States. And their compassion and their hospitality led to sheer joy among the 120 kids that we had in our building, celebrating the birth of Christ.

Thank you to everyone who baked cookies and donated toys and donated gift certificates. Those folks that donated rosaries to ensure that their spirituality is part of our Christmas celebration. Thanks to all of you.

Merry Christmas everyone,

and I look forward to speaking with you again in a new year.