God continues to bless St. Joseph’s Home in countless ways, not the least of which was the enormous turn-out for our annual Christmas Tree Decorating Party!
Everyone was a little worried on December 12th when the snow began to fall…and fall…and fall. The Residents, Little Sisters, volunteers and staff had gathered to welcome our Resident’s families who were joining us to decorate the Christmas tree, but wondered if anyone from outside would dare venture out in the snowstorm.
The hour of 3:00 p.m. had barely passed when the families began to roll in. Our Home was blessed by visits from over 50 family members who had braved the snow to celebrate this season with us. One of the guests remarked, “One of the many things that make St. Joseph’s Home special is the sense of family that everyone feels here. How could we stay away – families spend the holidays together.”
The day was celebrated with prayer and Christmas carols. The Residents had worked with volunteers to make homemade ornaments to decorate the tree and took turns hanging them. Sr. Grace and the kitchen staff prepared a Holiday meal fit for a king and everyone shared the meal together. Our Home was filled with laughter and cheer and the hallways buzzed with excitement as the Residents shared their gratitude to God for the wonderful celebration of God’s greatest gift.
We were all reminded of the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “With its loftiness, its green [color] and the lights in its branches, the Christmas tree is a symbol of life that points to the mystery of Christmas Eve,” says Benedict XVI. “Christ, the Son of God, brings to the dark, cold, unredeemed world in which he was born, a new hope and a new splendor,” the Holy Father said.
This splendor can be seen in the eyes of our Residents today as they share about the joy they feel at having been able to share their Home with those they love the most.
Annual Tree Trimming Party