Reflecting The Love Of The Christ Child Through The Advent Giving Tree

For over 25 years, our parish family has been making the true meaning of Christmas come alive through the Advent Giving Tree. “I enjoy giving my time to this ministry, and I believe it is important to keep it going,” says Terry Witt, who has coordinated the Advent Giving Tree outreach for the last two decades. “I like living out the true meaning of the season, which is to honor Christ and take care of those in need. This is what the Gospels tell us to do.”

Each year on the first Sunday of Advent, Terry puts up the Advent Giving Tree, which is adorned with envelopes. Parishioners can take an envelope and replace it with an ornament. Later, they can put a monetary donation in the envelope and place it in the collection basket. The donations support the Helping Hands Fund, which is available to help anyone in our parish family or community who is bearing hardship and needs financial assistance.

“The Advent Giving Tree was first started by Annette Fedor when she was serving on the Parish Council,” Terry says. “She wanted to give our parishioners an opportunity to think of the less fortunate during the holidays. The goal is to have the tree fully decorated by the end of Advent.”

Over the years, the Helping Hands Fund has reached out to many different people facing different trials in life. Our pastor determines how the money will be distributed.

“For example, we once helped a person with lung issues by purchasing an air conditioner for them,” Terry says. “And a couple of years ago, we donated an item to the silent auction at the Evening for Education fundraiser for Mary of Lourdes Parish School.”

The presence of the tree at our parish encourages us to imitate the merciful love of Christ in the midst of our busy, demanding lives. “The Advent Giving Tree is a good way to remind us to give to others, beyond just our own families,” Terry says. “The great thing about the Helping Hands Fund is that it is used to assist the needy throughout the year. It doesn’t just provide one-time Christmas presents. Ultimately, the Advent Giving Tree effort helps our parish be generous all year long. It also shows each member of our parish that they are not alone — they are part of a supportive parish family who will be there for them during difficult times.”

If you would like more information on how to reach out to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in need, please contact Terry Witt at 320-632-2175.