Don’t Forget the Clergy

                                                              By Tracy Becker

Christmas shopping for many people begins the day after Thanksgiving. At the top of our lists should be our parish priests. Good priests are a valued treasure. But what kinds of things would a priest like?

•  If your priest likes sports, maybe you could draw a picture of his favorite player. If he has a pet, you could draw a picture of his pet. You could also draw or paint a picture of baby Jesus and his mom and dad, a nice big star, or whatever you think your priest would like at Christmas.

• Do you know your priests’ hobbies? How about saving your allowance to buy a gift certificate. For instance, if he likes to read, you could buy him a prayer book. If he likes to draw, maybe you could give him some pencils or a box of crayons. He might like a haircut, an oil change for his car, or a movie.

• You can make a donation to their favorite cause, such as Right to Life. Candles are always needed. See if your parish needs new altar linens.

• How about making a Christmas card? If you have time to give, the Church probably needs dusting and cleaning. Maybe you could help decorate the Christmas tree.

• Can you sew? Your priests’ clerical clothing or vestments may need a button. With you mom’s or dad’s help, maybe you could wash the altar linens.

• Does your priest like cookies? Maybe someone could help you make a small batch of cookies. If it is okay with your mom and dad, you could invite him for dinner after Christmas.

• Could you help shovel the snow to get ready for the Christmas Masses? Can you and your friends sing Christmas carols to the people as they come in for Mass?

            I am sure you will think of many more ideas than the ones listed here. Show your priest how much you appreciate them, especially at this time of year. Continue to pray and ask God to send us more priests. God bless you all and Merry Christmas!