Operation Saint Nick

“I became involve several years ago when I asked Jeanine if she needed help sorting the gifts.  I thought how hard could it be.  Well, it’s not hard work it’s truly amazing work. I have since had my family help on the days the gifts are returned to church. We are truly amazed at the amount of gifts. Not only the fact that there are many people who may not have received a gift if it wasn’t for the out pouring of generosity our parish shows. But it also amazes us how many are in need year after year.  So each Christmas season we look forward to the Giving Tree going up  so we can shop for someone special.  Then we gladly await the day we can do our small part and sort the gifts and witness how Christmas brings out the best in people.”

Operation St. Nick is our Christmas gift-giving program for area children/families in need. Look for the Christmas tree in the church around Thanksgiving. The tags on the tree indicate specific gifts requested by families for their children. By taking a tag, and returning it to church with the specified gift, you will be sharing the joy of Christmas with those less fortunate. Each year more than one thousand gifts are collected and distributed to parishioners in need and other local agencies (i.e. Division of Youth and Family Services, Catholic Charities, St. Peter’s Pediatric Oncology and Family Clinic, Alabama Mission).

It is easy to become distracted from the true meaning of Christmas in a world that emphasizes commercialism and seems to push toward secular observance of the holidays. It is a blessing to be part of a faith community that exemplifies the spirit of giving, year after year, by its generous participation in this project. The simple act of giving selflessly and joyfully is the best celebration of the birth of our Savior.

Each year Immaculate Conception Parish’s outpouring of love has put a smile on the infant child, our Lord and Savior. Two thousand years have come and gone, yet despite the pain and suffering that exist in this sometimes cruel world, you bring joy – joy to the world that yes, the Lord has come. Thank you for continually saying yes and bringing Christ into the world through your unselfish acts of charity. You have truly embraced the challenge of the season to live justly and to be a peaceful presence in our world. The mystery of God continues to be born in you throughout the year.