Catholics look for blessings from giving this Christmas

As nice as it is to find presents under the tree, parishioners throughout the Albany Diocese clearly believe the best Christmas gifts are the ones they give away -- especially to the needy.

In keeping with the age-old adage that it is "more blessed to give than to receive," rural, urban, suburban and cluster parishes alike have devoted much of the past several weeks to making the season brighter for the less fortunate.

Here's a run-down on what's been happening throughout the Diocese:

* At St. Joseph's Church in Worcester, the heart of Rev. William Crandall, pastor, has been warmed by the sight of parishioners taking home hand-made ornaments from an Advent tree inside the church. Each ornament contained a request that a spiritual or corporal act of mercy be performed. These ranged from prayers for the sick to visiting parishioners confined to nursing homes.

In addition, the Otsego County parish and its mission church, St. Mary's in Schenevus, collected food to be placed in holiday baskets and distributed to the needy individuals and families in the area.

"Things have been pretty hectic around here because of the renovation and restoration work that's been going on," Father Crandall said. "But, despite the fact that we're in a bit of a mess here and there, most of our parishioners have been wonderful about getting involved in projects to help others."

* Students in catechist Susan Yuhacz's Grade 6 religious education class have been busy baking cookies to be delivered to elderly and shut-in parishioners of St. Peter's and St. Paul's Church in Canajoharie. Carol Cechnicki, director of religious education at the Montgomery County parish, said the students will likely sing Christmas carols as they make their cookie deliveries. She added that older students have been preparing food baskets for the homebound and collecting food for the Fulmont Development Center serving needy families in the area.

* Young people at St. Patrick's parish in Saint Johnsville have also been busy collecting food for the needy, according to Rev. Pascal Ionnotti, pastor.

* At the Church of the Resurrection in Germantown, Rev. Theodore Gerken, pastor, says parishioners work with other churches in the community on a year-round basis to keep the shelves stocked at the Columbia County food pantry. Collections of non-perishable edibles are taken on the first Sunday of each month, with extra-generous donations being made during the holiday season.

In addition, he said, Christmas toys and assorted baby items are given to the local Catholic Charities office, which, in turn, distributes them to A-Light and WIC clients. (A-Light is a resource for single mothers in the community.) As further evidence that the giving spirit is alive and well there, Father Gerken said, donated toys and prizes will be awarded to children as part of a Dec. 22 Christmas party at the parish, which will be celebrating its 75th anniversary next year.

* Children at St. James Church in Fort Plain, meanwhile, were recently treated to a party at which St. Nicholas made an appearance, in a costume befitting an ancient Dutch bishop. According to Linda Faduski, director of faith formation at the Montgomery County parish, symbolic coins were placed in the children's empty shoes. It was left to St. Nicholas (played by parishioner Robert Bleichner) to remind the children about the true meaning of Christmas and why Christians exchange gifts on the Christ Child's birthday.

Another St. James parishioner, Amelia Fahy, recently donated her time and talents to teach area religious ed students how to craft Christmas wreaths. They were donated to school classrooms and others who needed some holiday cheer.

* At St. Patrick's Church in Athens where Rev. Richard J. Doyle serves as pastor, a large box has been "dressed up for the holidays." Parishioners, Father Doyle noted, have been magnanimous about placing non-perishable food items and financial contributions inside the festive box. Collected items will benefit the Athens Food Pantry in Greene County.

* On Christmas Day, the "Friends of Christmas" at St. Mary's in Oneonta will provide a shared meal for anyone who is alone or low in funds.

* Parishioners of St. Mary's in Galway, a mission of St. Joseph's parish in Broadalbin, recently assembled gingerbread houses to be given to residents of Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa. The edible houses were decorated by religious ed students prior to being delivered to the nursing home.

* At Sacred Heart parish in Castleton, young volunteers known as "Santa's Helpers" offer to take care of small fry in the parish so their parents can shop for Christmas or just go home and enjoy "quiet time" together during the hectic holiday season.

* A sale of Christmas ornaments, sponsored by the Youth Ministry of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Community in West Albany and Loudonville, yielded funds to aid the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) "Work of Human Hands" project. CRS works with the poor overseas to alleviate suffering, foster peace and justice, and build lasting solutions to poverty.

* The Empty Stocking Project, which has been helping needy children in Saratoga County since 1949, has received the support of a number of churches in the Diocese, including Assumption/St. Paul in Mechanicville. The project, run by the Saratoga County Children's Committee, provides Christmas gifts to over 100 youths.

* Parishioners of St. Clement's in Saratoga Springs and St. Mary's in Nassau are spearheading a month-long humanitarian relief effort to help war orphans and refugees in Bosnia. Titled "Giving From The Heart," the project seeks donations of medical supplies, clothing, bedding, toiletries, non-perishable food staples and money. Collections will continue at many churches throughout December.

(12-19-96) [[In-content Ad]]