A certain “let down” feeling comes upon us after the Christmas season ends. The excitement of preparation, the parties, even the hassle of shopping was all a distraction from everyday life. The bright lights, colors, decorations, sumptuous foods all contributed to the special nature of the season. And when we remember that it is a season of giving, of celebrating with those less fortunate, we leave the season feeling a bit of a void, asking ourselves did we do enough? We ask, “what now?”

     To answer these questions, let’s look at what happened in your name and with your participation here at St. Xavier. At the beginning of Advent we embarked upon an Outreach effort known as The Giving Tree. The collection of gifts and funds supported the following agencies this year:

  - First Step Home (a residential facility for woman and children recovering of substance abuse)

  - Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly (offers companionship to the forgotten and aged)

  - Cincinnati Area Senior Services (who render service to underprivileged elderly in our area)

  - Boy Hope/Girls Hope (providing educational opportunities to underserved youth)

  - Our Daily Bread (which provides meals all day for the homeless in OTR)

  - Peaslee Neighborhood Center (in OTR whose residents engage in participatory education to foster creative expression, self-determination, and social change).

     The gifts and funds donated by you—our generous parishioners— contributed to lifting the spirits of many people during this past Christmas. (You can see two photos of the project inside the bulletin today).  So what happens after the parties, after the gift exchanges, when the memories of Christmas fun begin to fade but the hunger and need of so many doesn’t?  

     It has been a long-standing policy at St. Xavier that a portion of each week’s Sunday collection be designated for tithing to the poor. Our parish staff identifies several agencies, shelters, and programs in the Greater Cincinnati area to be recipients of your contribution on a monthly basis. In future columns we will hear from, and share with you, some of the stories of how our St. Xavier family continues to be the face of Christ to many in need. But for now, know that your parish is being good stewards of your generous contributions and continues the work of relieving a little suffering to the less fortunate around us.

Deacon Tim Crooker