The Christmas tree in this photo is located at the Paterson Diocesan Center in Clifton, NJ. Note that some of the ornaments are rectangular, while some are star-shaped or tree-shaped. Initially, the tree was decorated with the rectangular ornaments, which contained requests for food assistance for the women of the Passaic Neighborhood Center for Women. When someone takes the ornament to fulfill the request, that ornament is replaced with a star or tree ornament with the donor's name written on it. In this photo, the star ornaments are readily visible. Take a good, reflective look: These ornaments represent families that will have food this Christmas because of the generosity of the employees of the Paterson Diocese -- for the second year in a row! These are the same people who have supported us in so many ways over the past three (plus) years.
So, when is a tree more than a tree? When it is filled with the love of brothers and sisters for their brothers and sisters in need. "Whatever you did for these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" is a lived reality today and every day at the Diocesan Center! We are so very grateful!
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