by Rosemarie Axton
Covid-19 has changed many things in our lives and in the life of St. Mary’s. However, it seems it has only increased our desire to bring the joy of the Holy Spirit to places where people are struggling. We are taking a huge, exciting leap of faith in doing our One Starfish Christmas project this year. First, as in past years, we will provide resources for families served by Monterey County Children’s Behavioral Health, but only in the form of gift and grocery cards which the clinicians will discreetly bring to parents at their homes no later than December 18. The parents will shop themselves, in person if they must, or online, for the things they need most. Should you decide that you want a family with three children and a mom and dad, or a young single mom with one child, I can email or get you a referral of that size with a little info on the family. You can purchase gift cards for them and let me know when completed. I will accept checks made out to me and I will purchase necessary cards for a family as well.
New this year: If you would like to purchase more personalized gifts, we have the PERFECT opportunity for you. San Pablo Apostal (St. Paul the Apostle), our Episcopal partner church in Seaside, has many members who have become unemployed during the pandemic, and some are struggling to meet even basic needs at this time. Father Martin Juarez, their rector, is working with families to identify needs/wants that St. Mary’s parishioners can purchase, online or in-person, to spread Christmas joy wider. A variety of delivery options are available; contact me for more information.
Any questions at all, call me at 831-646-8196 or email rosemarieaxton@gmail.com. Although we cannot gather in-person to celebrate and wrap our gifts, I hope you all are as excited as I am that we are going to have a rich advent of joy that generosity brings.
In God’s love,
Rosemarie