Editorial

As we come to the close of 2025, we pause to reflect on a year filled with much to be grateful for—moments of connection, generosity and shared purpose across our ministries. Our theme of Hospitality – Welcoming All has helped frame and focus our shared efforts throughout the year, shaping the ways we encountered and supported one another, and reached out to those who were vulnerable or in need of care.

Throughout the year, our schools and community works have embodied hospitality not as a single action, but as a lived expression of who we are and who we are called to be.

In a world marked by conflict and displacement, our commitment to hospitality has been a quiet but steady reminder that peace begins with how we meet one another. In countless small and significant ways, students, staff, volunteers and families across our ministries have shaped communities where all are received with respect, warmth and possibility. The flame of hope, so central to our story, burned brightly in every ministry that chose inclusion over indifference, and relationship over fear.

As we celebrate the Advent season, we lean into a time of waiting, longing and preparing our hearts once again for the coming of Emmanuel, God-with-us in the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath, with its growing circle of light as each candle is lit, represents the light of Christ in our lives.

Each candle draws us into the spirit of hospitality - hope that opens our hearts, peace that creates room for others to belong, joy that is shared generously, and love that reaches out in compassion. As the light deepens week by week, we are reminded that we, too, are called to carry this light into our communities, offering warmth, welcome and presence to all we encounter.

May this season renew in us a sense of wonder and strengthen our commitment to creating communities marked by peace, justice and compassionate welcome.

May you and your loved ones be blessed with peace, hope and joy this Christmas, and may the New Year draw us even more deeply into our mission of bringing the Gospel alive through works of justice, education and compassionate service.

Nicole Mangelsdorf

Executive Director

Kildare Ministries

Please note:  The office of Kildare Ministries will close for the Christmas holiday period on December 19 and reopen on the January 27.