This ministry comes together once each year to make Christmas happier for others. For Christmas 2003, our parish is working to make a better Christmas for the school children of Our Lady of the Holy Cross and St. Cabrini Academy, both located in St. Louis.  There are approximately 300 students between these two schools. In addition, we will have ornaments requesting items for the St. Patrick's Center and The Wellston Center.  Both of these organizations are in need of items, particularly at this time of year. 

This is truly a ministry that EVERYONE can take part in, whether you assist in the creation of the ornament or pick it from the tree and shop for that individual or organization.  This is a wonderful "feel good" endeavor, knowing that YOU are making Christmas brighter for someone.


              For more information, contact Sue Bollinger at sueboll@swbell.net or 314-469-3613.

Giving Tree Questions and Answers 

Q: How does the Christmas Giving Tree work?

• Volunteers for the Giving Tree create ornaments, place them on the tree for parishioners to choose from, gather presents, and get them ready for delivery to the appropriate destinations.

• This is a very short ministry, lasting about 3 weeks each year. This year, all ornaments must be on the tree the weekend before Thanksgiving. The volunteers receive their letters a week earlier, allowing time to read letters and decorate the ornaments. Also, volunteers will meet after the gifts have been returned to check that they have received all the presents that are needed. This meeting will usually take a couple of hours. If a gift is not received, then the volunteer will shop for that gift. All expenses will be reimbursed.

• The parishioners from Incarnate Word choose an ornament from the tree and purchase the gift the child has requested. That gift is returned under the tree. When all the gifts have been returned, they are sorted by school.  Arrangements are made by the school to pick up the gifts. These gifts are given to the children in a school assembly.

• As Christmastime approaches, there are notices in the bulletin about volunteering for the Christmas Giving Tree. Also, sign up sheets for the Giving Tree are available at the Festival of Ministries in the fall or volunteers can sign up through the Stewardship cards. 

Q: Does Incarnate Word help the same schools every year?

• The recipients of the Giving Tree are chosen each year by the Director of Stewardship and the Pastor of Incarnate Word.