Every year, I write columns during Advent asking our readers to help us to help those in need at Christmas time. It’s our annual Bright Christmas Appeal that has been going on for more than 40 years.

The program is a very simple one. I tell you about the needs of some parishioners in Brooklyn and Queens and you send me money that we distribute through our local parish pastors and diocesan agency directors.

Last year, you donated more than $114,000 through The Tablet’s Bright Christmas Appeal. In past years, we’ve collected as much as $125,000 in a given campaign.

Some donors send in hundreds of dollars, but the average donation is about $32 with more than 3,000 readers responding to our program.

In some parishes, the Bright Christmas money buys gifts for the children. In others, it supports a party and in still other places, it is used to put Christmas dinner on a family’s table.

Recently, a Brooklyn pastor told me that while he always appreciates our donation, it isn’t really needed because so many of his own friends help the parish at Christmas.  So, this year, we’ve decided in order to make sure the money goes where it is needed most, it will be distributed in response to specific requests from pastors and other diocesan leaders. Letters have gone out asking them to respond, telling us how they plan to spend the Bright Christmas grant.

So, if you’re a pastor (or other diocesan leader) who has relied on Bright Christmas in the past and still need to receive your grant, you must respond as quickly as possible letting us know that you can use our help. New requests are welcome, but we cannot accept them from individuals in need.  Only parishes and diocesan groups are eligible.

Already we have heard from Sister Mary of the Angelus, director of religious education program at Mary Mother of the Church parish in East New York. Among the many needs of her program is funding for the annual Christmas dinner and a gift for catechists and helpers in gratitude for all their hard work and service to the parish. “As of now, I do not have the money for this yearly celebration,” she writes. “But I know that God will provide.”
If you can help us this year, we would appreciate whatever you can send. Maybe you can organize a school fundraising effort or a class project to help someone through Bright Christmas.  Perhaps you may wish to respond as part of a family effort.

To participate in Bright Christmas, simply send your donation to The Tablet’s Bright Christmas and send it to our new address at 1712 Tenth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215. As the drive progresses, we will keep you up to date as to how we’re doing. In advance, we say thanks for your offering.