Annual Giving Tree Ministry Brings Joy to Local Families in Need

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Begin the Journey Home for Christmas

In the hustle and bustle of the weeks preceding Christmas Day, it is often difficult to pause and recognize Advent as a time of preparation, prayerfulness, and increased good works. We are blessed at St. Francis Xavier to have a special reminder of the importance of practicing charitable works during this special time on the liturgical calendar. Through our parish Giving Tree, countless families have experienced the generosity of our parishioners during the Christmas season.

In past years, parishioners have been invited to select an ornament from the Giving Tree in the church specifying a wish-list item to be brought in for an individual or family. Purchased gifts were then brought to either a local organization serving those in need — such as the Mission of Hope and Wings of Hope shelters — or were given directly to families in need that had been identified by our parish.

For Giving Tree coordinator Kathleen Bays, it is truly rewarding to see the selfless generosity of the St. Francis Xavier faith community. One year, so many people participated in this ministry that no ornaments were left on the tree! Last year, extra gifts that were brought in were distributed by Our Daily Bread, providing a merry Christmas to even more local families in need.

For Kathleen, involvement with the Giving Tree is a natural way to serve others.

“I enjoy being able to help people, it’s as simple as that,” she says. “I remember my mom doing something similar when I was younger. Her ladies group would always adopt a family at Christmas, so it was something I saw growing up. Now, I see families picking out an ornament from the tree together or kids getting one and bringing it back to their parents, so they are learning that spirit of giving.”

By reaching out to families facing a tough time, especially during the Advent and Christmas seasons, parishioners help to fulfill our faith community’s mission to spread the Good News of Christ’s love for all.

“By participating in the Giving Tree, you’re putting others before yourself and reflecting on Jesus’s gift to us, His birth,” Kathleen says. “It’s an outreach not only to our parish, but to our local community, and a way to reach people that may not go to church. It’s a way to evangelize in another sense. It lets people know that we’re not just about 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 moredetails, or contact Kathleen Bays with any questions at kbays@sbcglobal.net.