Family of 32 prepares for Christmas

When Michael and Mary Jo Jackson of Fort Plain were married 37 years ago, they knew they wanted a big family. In addition to seven children and eight grandchildren, they were inspired to adopt a few more. 

So far, they have taken home 23 children from all over Earth. 

"This is God's plan for us," Mrs. Jackson said simply. "We adopt children. This is our way of living the Gospel."

Advent and Christmas, which mark the birth of one child, have special resonance for a family with dozens. 

"Christmas is about families celebrating together and remembering the birth of Christ on this holy day," said Mr. Jackson. "My hope is that the adopted children have learned the meaning of Christmas and will remember to celebrate it in a similar manner when they are older and on their own with their own families."

The lessons include a careful observance of rituals at home. 

"We try to relate the Gospel and Church history," Mrs. Jackson explained. "Everyone gets a turn at blowing out the candles on the Advent wreath. The manger is set up but Jesus isn't there until Christmas morning." 

They call their family "Cor Unum," Latin for "One Heart." The adopted children hail from the United States, Russia and various countries in Asia and Eastern Europe. They now range in age from preschool to college students. Most have physical, emotional or cognitive challenges.

"They are not foster children," said Mrs. Jackson. "So there are no stipends." They rely solely on Mr. Jackson's income as director of engineering for a pharmaceutical firm. "We are lucky that Michael has a good job and that he is very good at money management." 
The health insurance through his job is essential considering the children's wheelchairs, prostheses and surgeries.

Seventeen live at home, one is serving as a Marine in Iraq, and others are away at college. Their original seven children are grown and on their own, as are some of the adopted children. 

In all, 20 of the Jackson children will be home for Christmas, adding to the usual bustle of the household. There is grocery shopping, laundry, morning rush to school, and nightly dinner preparation. They pack two vans for shuttling to church, sports, chorus, band and student council. 

The Jacksons say that the love of God and their faith sustains the family, who belong to St. James Church in Fort Plain. "The practice of Catholicism is central to our lives," Mrs. Jackson said. 

Accepting God was not easy for those adopted as older children. "They suffered a great deal of traumas when they were very little kids," she explained. "A good and benevolent God was beyond them. They were tough. But seeing the way we live, they accepted it over time." 

Over time, the example took. 

"All the children are current on the sacraments," she said. "They are in faith formation every Sunday. Nine are altar servers and one is a greeter. And I am a eucharistic minister. Faith in action and participation are very important to us." 

On Christmas Eve, the Jacksons will attend the 4 p.m. Mass. Then they will come home to dinner prepared almost single-handedly by Mrs. Jackson using two ovens and stoves, and commercial-sized cookware. Then it will be time for presents. 

"Each child draws a name to buy a present for. They usually make something or do something special for that person." Handmade stockings are filled with "little treasures." 
Rev. Robert McGuire, SJ, a friend who serves at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, sees each of the Jacksons as little treasures. "They are the embodiment of the Beatitudes," he said, "the epitome of love, humility and joy. And they are amazingly composed at Mass - so peaceful, and gently attentive."

The joyful hope of Advent is upon them in both faith and works. "We need to live the Gospel every day," Mrs. Jackson said. 

Mr. Jackson acknowledged the gift of a hectic home. "Yes, it is often confusing and noisy around here," he said, "but I wouldn't change anything at all."

(For more information and pictures of the Jackson Family, see their website: www.onehugefamily.com)

(12/18/08)