In community after community throughout the state, where the impact of a seriously eroding economic system is forcing many families to seek help simply keeping a roof over their heads and food on their tables, people are stepping up to help their neighbors through this crisis during this blessed season.
The spirit that prevails in the Midwest is one of kindness and compassion. For many it is rooted in Matthew 25:40: "Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me."
Doing the right thing is what many in Illinois take pride in doing. Lending a helping hand to others, not for personal gain, but rather as a natural response to live one's faith, is paramount to many people.
Never is this more apparent than during the Christmas season. In many parishes throughout the 28 counties in the Springfield diocese, regular food collections for local food pantries and other organizations are held throughout the year. Catholic schools and parish schools of religion, as well as other private schools and some public schools sponsor food drives. In places like Decatur, St. Patrick School in Ss. James and Patrick Parish has consistently received recognition as the top contributor to a local food donation campaign.
Catholic Charities operates clothing stores in places throughout the diocese. Through voucher systems, people in need can acquire clothing and household items at virtually no cost.
The community at large benefits by being able to shop the stores, as well as having the stores available as a place to recycle clothes and household items, rather than have them end up in a landfill.
At St. Martin de Porres in Springfield and at other nonprofit run organizations throughout the diocese, help is available to those in need. Donations of food and clothing as well as monetary contributions are always welcome, as are volunteers who run the operation.
Many parishes have Angel Trees to help fulfill the Christmas wishes of less fortunate children. Some schools tie their own Christmas party celebrations with programs to help families in need, as do some businesses.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, the Savior born in a stable in Bethlehem, we recognize and believe there is more to life than accruing money, prestige or power. For all the people in this world bent on "getting while the getting is good" we can only feel sorry.
Money cannot buy what our Savior has to offer. The joy and happiness coming from within for helping someone else is a feeling no money can buy. No amount of celebrity status or notoriety can offer us the glory of eternal life.
May you have a happy, holy Christmas.