The Season of Advent, in both Catholic and Protestant faiths, is defined as period of preparation "in joyful anticipation" for the coming of, or nativity of Jesus Christ. It is an ancient tradition that has evolved and devolved over the centuries and for us Catholics, it still has a very powerful message.

Although compassion knows no specific season, Christmas can be an emotional time of joy as well as loneliness and despair. It also calls out for unselfish giving to others. This Advent season, Catholic Charities CYO will begin a new holiday giving campaign called The Catholic Charities CYO Advent Season of Caring. In the coming days we will be sharing with you intimate stories of the clients we serve and the ways in which their lives have been changed for the better, because of our work and the generosity of our loyal supporters.

Given the changing economic landscape, all of us are likely know someone struggling to make ends meet day to day, week to week. We may also know some who are already in the midst of homelessness, illness or extreme distress this holiday season. In fact, our case managers at Catholic Charities CYO are experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of our neighbors who are in need and therefore your support for the work we do is vital now more than ever. We are pleased to launch this new Advent Season of Caring in response to this growing need.

All during the year, and especially at this special time, we give thanks for the compassionate response of parishioners in the Archdiocese of San Francisco who live out the Gospel Values of Charity and Justice by supporting our work with generous contributions of volunteer time and financial support. We will be acknowledging all Advent Season of Caring supporters in upcoming issues of the Catholic San Francisco.

We hope you will be touched and impelled to action as we share stories of people for whom love and generosity have truly made a difference.

Each week during the Advent Season of Caring, another story about how you can change a life will be added. Please click on the photo for the story.

Catholic Charities CYO program stabilizes a victim of
homelessness with HIV/AIDS and close to death

Catholic Charities CYO program helps a daughter care for her ailing father

Catholic Charities CYO program helps a family on the verge of homelessness