News

Heartwarming gift collection at St. Mary of Vernon

Posted December 07, 2014 12:01 am

By Gilbert R. Boucher II

Bruce Kwiecinski of Vernon Hills places a present on the pile during Gift Sunday at St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church in Indian Creek. The church expected to collect gifts for more that 1,200 people for the holidays. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com

Children carried wrapped gifts to the alter at St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church on Sunday, adding to an already massive pile of presents gathered as part of the Indian Creek church's Gift Sunday.

For more than 25 years, the church annually has set aside one weekend before Christmas to help make the holiday season a little brighter for low-income families. Gifts were collected during Saturday night Mass and during three Sunday morning Masses.

"It's very heartwarming because so many people participate," said church secretary Sue Wogan. "Kids like to bring gifts up with their parents. It warms your heart and it is very impressive."

Parishioners will help provide gifts to nearly 1,200 people through the Catholic Charities Christmas Gift Program and food through the Sharing Hands Food Pantry. They'll also help children from St. Angela School in Chicago.

The Rev. Robert Beaven gives the sermon during Gift Sunday at St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church in Indian Creek. The church expected to collect gifts for more that 1,200 people for the holidays. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com

Two-year-old David Morvig of Vernon Hills drops off a present during Gift Sunday at St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church in Indian Creek. The church expected to collect gifts for more that 1,200 people for the holidays. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.