Saint
Francis Xavier CATHOLIC CHURCH
ANNUAL GIVING TREE
MINISTRY BRINGING JOY TO LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED
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n the hustle and bustle Daily Bread, providing a merry of the weeks preceding Christmas to even more local Christmas Day, it is families in need. often difficult to pause and For Kathleen, involvement recognize Advent as a time of with the Giving Tree is a preparation, prayerfulness, and natural way to serve others. increased good works. We are “I enjoy being able to help blessed at St. Francis Xavier people, it’s as simple as that,” to have a special reminder of she says. “I remember my the importance of practicing mom doing something similar charitable works during this when I was younger. Her ladies special time on the liturgical group would always adopt a calendar. Through our parish family at Christmas, so it was Giving Tree, countless families something I saw growing up. have experienced the generosity Now, I see families picking out of our parishioners during an ornament from the tree the Christmas season. together or kids getting one In past years, parishioners and bringing it back to their have been invited to select parents, so they are learning an ornament from the Giving that spirit of giving.” Tree in the church specifying By reaching out to a wish-list item to be brought families facing a tough time, in for an individual or family. especially during the Advent Purchased gifts were then and Christmas seasons, brought to either a local parishioners help to fulfill our The Giving Tree at St. Francis Xavier organization serving those in faith community’s mission to need — such as the Mission of Hope and Wings of spread the Good News of Christ’s love for all. Hope shelters — or were given directly to families “By participating in the Giving Tree, you’re in need that had been identified by our parish. putting others before yourself and reflecting on For Giving Tree coordinator Kathleen Bays, it Jesus’s gift to us, His birth,” Kathleen says. “It’s an is truly rewarding to see the selfless generosity of outreach not only to our parish, but to our local the St. Francis Xavier faith community. One year, community, and a way to reach people that may so many people participated in this ministry that not go to church. It’s a way to evangelize in another no ornaments were left on the tree! Last year, extra sense. It lets people know that we’re not just about gifts that were brought in were distributed by Our a church building — we’re there to help, as well.” Due to COVID-19 restrictions at many of the organizations we serve, our Giving Tree will work a little differently this year. Please refer the bulletin for more details, or contact Kathleen Bays with any questions at kbays@sbcglobal.net. 6
