The “Gift of Gifting”

Giving and receiving are two aspects of a shared grace. When my heart is moved by the need of someone, particularly children, or those who are lonely, I desire to respond. The person who receives what they need discovers the added gift of gratitude and joy. These graces, gratitude and joy, inspire hope. Hope is the gift we all celebrate with Jesus’ coming into our world as a vulnerable, innocent human being. We have the opportunity to continue to offer this “Hope Incarnate” in real ways every day, but in particular ways during the Advent season, anticipating our celebration of Christmas. A parishioner recently shared that the love of Christmas is present all year in the gift of time with one another. Through our response, we can help make that Holiday family time a little less stressful or painful by offering the needs, or sometimes wants, expressed as “wishes”. In hope, don’t we all “wish” for a future of needs met and peaceful time together?

This Advent of Hope, we can participate in offering our gifts to others through the Adopt-A-Family Program, Jeremiah Program “Winter Wishes”, Family Promise, and the Catholic Charities “Giving Tree” (Refugee families and Warming Center). Some of our faith family reflect on this experience:

Give, and it will be given to you," Jesus says in Luke 6:38. When we participate in the Adopt A Family Program each Christmas, we always get more than we give...ALWAYS!  -Poppe Family

I’ve participated in the Adopt-a-Family program to reflect on those who have less than I do and to feel a sense of solidarity with the poor, in the gift-giving and more specifically in the letter-writing to the family. It’s a simple way to grow in the virtues of charity and generosity. In Galatians 5:6, St. Paul reminds us that only faith working through love matters. By lovingly participating in works like Adopt-a-Family, our faith becomes something real and meaningful. I’m grateful to SJE for providing these service opportunities to our parish community.  - Melissa Schmid

I've always been very fortunate throughout my life, and this is one way of giving back. -Jacalyn See

We have been participating in the adopt a family program for 8 years. We look forward to it every year and shopping for the gift together as a couple. There is something special about shopping for someone that you do not know and might never meet. Before we buy any other Christmas gifts for the year, we start with a gift for someone in need. The adopt a family program is truly rewarding and highly suggest being part of it with your family. It's a reminder of the gift of Jesus and how he came into our world unexpected. Consider how you can start a new tradition such as this one this year for the holidays!  -Emily and Luke Doskey

 

Explore the “gift of giving”!

Adopt A Family Program serving 15 people through St. Johns this year. The folks served include: Families & single-parent families, refugees, families in transition, individuals residing in group homes and single individuals. The suggested spending guideline is around $50-$75 per individual “adopted”. Gifts will need to be purchased, wrapped and delivered to St. John’s by December 5. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/Adopt_A_Family-stjohns

We will also be “adopting” 5 individuals who are with the Jeremiah Program “Winter Wishes”. Wish lists, which will contain a short description of the item and link to where you can purchase it online will be available early November. Sponsors will receive a gift list totaling approximately $100 per individual child, and up to $150 for a JP Mom. Gift drop off is the first week of December: Monday 2nd – Friday 6th. Keep this in mind when you’re ordering your gifts–the sooner the better relative to supply chain issues and delays! Co-Cathedral of St John the Evangelist: Jeremiah Program "Winter Wishes" (signupgenius.com)

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Seeing With a Spiritual Sight