A Short Story given by Fr. John as part of his Christmas 2009 Homily

Once upon a time, there was a little parish in St. Bernard who had a simple tradition of an angel tree, an opportunity for people having a desire to help others; allowing parishioners and friends to sacrifice and share with others. It was a year like all other years . . . until the story had an unforeseen turn. Early one Sunday morning, someone breaks into the Church looking for money, but finds a bunch of gifts at the foot of the cross instead. He sat down on the ground and began opening all the gifts. We can only image what thoughts were going through his mind. He puts the gifts in big bags and off he goes. 

The next morning being a Sunday, people come to Church as they normally do. . . ready to celebrate another Sunday Mass as they prepare for Christmas . . . many were bringing gifts with the Angel Tags attached . . . but, boy were they surprised. They came in Church and saw a big mess. . . they were upset and some cried because someone had stolen all the gifts. "Who could do this", "why would someone steal from a church?" people asked. They were mad at this person. 

The police came and it was just like a TV show. . .they called it 'CSI St. Bernard'. They found a window broken and figured out how the person got in. They took pictures, gathered evidence and even looked for fingerprints. 

While that was going on, people were concerned and worried about what to do next? What was going to happen to all the kids who were expecting gifts? People said, "We need to get more gifts. . . we need help." Before the little priest knew it, the TV cameras and newspaper reporters came to the Church. They were outraged and wanted everyone to know about this "Grinch who stole Christmas". It was on all the TV stations and newspapers, and everyone on Facebook knew about it too. They all said "we want to help, we need to make sure these kids get Christmas gifts." 

Many of the parishioners and the little pastor of the church were on TV and in the newspaper. Someone asked the priest "who do you know, Santa or the Pope? And he answered, "even better than that, I know their boss." 

On Monday morning, people drove by the little Church in Violet to drop off toys at the door. People called and sent money to help as well. It was like a miracle; the calls and people kept coming for 3 days and soon the Church was filled with gifts. It was soon time to sort and wrap the gifts, so plenty people came to Church and helped out. . . some said "This is what Christmas is all about". . . "Today is like Christmas Day for me" . . . and so they wrapped and wrapped and wrapped. One of the nice Church ladies named 'Aunt Tudy' had taken off her pretty blue jacket because she was hot, and guess what happened to it??? It got wrapped up and was given as a gift.  

Since we had so many gifts, Sr. Mary and others went out and found many more families who needed Christmas presents. . . people came to Church to pick-up their gifts and were so surprised to see how many gifts they received. The little Church who received so much was also able to help other Churches and organizations in spreading the Christmas spirit. 

The police caught the person who broke in and stole the gifts. He was a 'good person' but had a 'bad habit' which caused him to do a bad thing. The people at the Church continued to pray for him because God is full of love and forgiveness, and as God's children, we are called to do the same. 

The story of the Church and the generosity of so many people continue, all because of the bad act of one person. Remember, sometimes we can't change the bad things that happen to us in life, but we can, with God's help, turn bad into good. The End.