And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Let us seek Christ with joy,
give him thanks for his love,
and offer our gifts to him and others to make this world a better place.
Thank You for Your Gifts
Each year the generosity of the parishioners of St. Mary's Parish in regards to the Christmas Giving Tree is absolutely tremendous and this year was no different. Because of your care and concern for our neighbors, we donated over 800 gifts and over $1,700 in gift cards to families and children in need. You helped to make their Christmas day brighter and allowed them to experience the hope, peace, love and joy of Christ.
A special thank you to the Photo Arts Studio in Nutley, NJ and their entire staff who helped to collect toys for children, food for our pantry and made a donation that was used to help the children and adults in need this Christmas.
Here is whom your kindness and generosity helped:
Nutley Adopt-A-Family received over 30 gifts of toys, clothing and gift cards.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, which distributes food and basic necessities to families in the area, received over 120 gifts of toys, clothing and gift cards.
St. Joseph Home in Jersey City, which is a center for homeless and economically disadvantaged women and children, received many of our gift cards to be used for personal items for the mothers and children.
Children in Foster Care - this year over 170 children, who are victims of abuse and neglect, were in need and we responded by providing over 450 gifts of toys, clothing and gift cards.
Covenant House in Newark, which provides loving care and vital services to homeless, abandoned, abused, trafficked, and exploited youth, received over 220 gifts of clothing and personal care items.
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Christmas Giving Tree. Your love of God and of His children is evident in the the way you helped those in need. Let us be reminded that the true blessings that we have are not just those material things, but the love that we share with one another.
