Contributions to The Tablet’s Bright Christmas Campaign continue to flood our offices. So much so that our limited staff is working double time at getting the money into the bank so that we can distribute it to the priests, sisters and lay leaders who will assist the needy this Christmas.
Contributors include an auxiliary bishop as well as the former speaker of the New York City Council. A personal friend sent a check for $1,000. An unemployed widow sent $2 in cash because she did not have a credit card.
A monsignor serving outside the diocese sent $100; a deacon and his wife, $25; a Sister of St. Joseph, $20; and a parish priest $25.
Parishes that are doing well this year have made contributions to assist others who are in need. A diocesan priest living in retirement wanted to be remembered with a contribution of $100.
The response has been overwhelming. We particularly enjoy your notes that are attached. Peter and Celeste Grillo of Brooklyn write: “We pray that this gift brings a warm hug from the newborn Infant Jesus to a person who needs a reason to smile brightly.”
Carol Nitsche of Ridgewood adds: “Please use the enclosed check towards making a happy, merry Christmas for children.”
Eileen Muller of Flatlands sent a note of thanks to us “for doing this each year.” It’s our pleasure but it wouldn’t be possible without generous people like yourself, Eileen.
George Schoppel of Bayside added a note about how he used to sell The Tablet outside Our Lady of Mercy Church in the 1940s. Love hearing from our former newsboys!
Maria Zic of Astoria puts it simply: “God bless the Diocese of Brooklyn.”
Former diocesan employee John Gallo, who is enjoying retirement in southeast Pennsylvania, sent his check and best wishes to The Tablet staff. He says that he still roots for the Mets and adds, “Thanks for spreading the word and hopefully spreading much wealth at this Bright Christmas.”
Sam “the Mailman” Repole and his wife Rosemary, who are parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dyker Heights, sent us a check in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary. He recalls that Father James Scott officiated at their wedding ceremony.
Nancy Darnopuk of Westport, Conn., made her donation in memory of her beloved husband, Harry.
Marie Fleuranges of Jamaica, said, “On this Thanksgiving, sharing my gifts with the Bright Christmas campaign is a good way to give thanks to God for the many blessings He’s given to me and my family.”
And of course, we always love a sentiment like that expressed by Ed and Paula Antonio of Belle Harbor, who wrote, “God bless your good deeds. We love The Tablet.”
We love each and every one of you for your faithful support of Bright Christmas. Many of the children who receive gifts this Christmas will not where they came from. But we do and you do. We give thanks for you.
To participate in The Tablet’s Bright Christmas, send your donation (made out to DeSales Media Group, notation for Bright Christmas) to The Tablet, 1712 Tenth Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215.