This is the season of joy, hope, peace, love, and happiness! Each year, St. Felicitas~St. Ailbe Court 181 proudly serves our church, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, by spearheading the Giving Tree.

The Giving Tree is placed in the church on the first Sunday of Advent and decorated with ornaments made from Christmas cards. Each ornament includes a label describing the specific needs of the shelters we serve. Gifts are collected throughout the Advent season and, on the last Sunday of Advent, are sorted and distributed to three shelters: Zacchaeus House (men), Maria Shelter (women and children), and Casa Esperanza (women and children).

Donated gifts include toiletries, gift cards (Target, Walmart, Amazon, Visa, Aldi, and Jewel Food), and children’s clothing. This time of year is a true reflection of our parish’s commitment to living out the Gospel through service. By participating in the Giving Tree, parishioners have the opportunity to share God’s love in a tangible way—bringing comfort, dignity, and hope to individuals and families during the Christmas season.

We pray that the work we do touches the hearts of those we serve, just as it touches ours each year as we witness the generosity of the parishioners of St. Katharine Drexel Parish. We thank our parishioners for their love and generosity and pray that the holidays are a little brighter for all.