Catholic churches in the Boston area are giving back this holiday season. Following a decades-old tradition, parishes around the region collect gifts for underprivileged recipients who place their requests on Giving Trees.
Taking their name from Shel Silverstein's well-loved book, the special Christmas trees are placed inside churches with the desired items written on paper ornaments. Participating parishioners pick one, buy the gift, and return it to the church. An empty tree with plenty of packages is always a good sign.
Leaders from the Lowell region and beyond are gathering this Sunday to honor the persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East. A growing number of local politicians and church representatives will meet at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in what promises to be the largest event of its kind in Lowell history.
Despite the impressive roster of attendees, the presiding pastor, Rev. Leonard Faris, insists that the focus will be on the victims. "None of the organizers want this event to be politicized. Politicians are welcome to come as private individuals, but I won't be introducing them or making their visit official."
