St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

On Sunday 3^rd December we begin the Season of Advent, the start of the Church’s year and the beginning of our period of spiritual preparation for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Our Saviour – born to give life and love.  Christmas is a season of hope for us all, a hope found in the simplest of things – friendship, kindness and the happiness others bring to our days.  And as Christians blessed so many times with those gifts, we’re asked to share our blessings with others and give a little hope where we can.  To help in that the St Vincent de Paul Annual Christmas appeal also begins this weekend with a special collection and an invitation to all Parishioners to make a difference to the lives of those struggling in our community.  The Collection will take place on 2nd/3rd December in Holy Family Church and on 10th December in St Mary’s Church.  Amid the joy of these days, we all know that not far from any of our doors live people who struggle to enjoy even the basics of life – heat, food or any tiny comfort.  It’s not really for any of us to ask why but rather to maybe be charitable in our thoughts and ask can we help them – even just for a day?  Every donation given to the St Vincent De Paul stays withing the confines of our own Parish and helps our own people to have a Christmas or a at least day with a little less worry.  No matter how much or little anyone gives, it is a huge donation in someone’s eyes because it means a family might just have a Christmas dinner, a fire to enjoy, a gift to open or a smiling child in their house because of your kindness.  Times are tight for everyone, and yet time and again you, the people of this Parish, have changed so many lives by your quiet kindness that gives dignity and hope in the right way and that asks nothing in return but gives a little dignity back to where it belongs.  If you can do anything to help once more this Christmas – thank you.  If what you do means a happy Christmas for someone else, then may your reward be the true happiness of Christmas – that feeling of love that is shared with the world and let’s you feel the happiness of having changed a life and brought a new smile alive.

With  many thanks and best wishes

Fr O’Neill