By CECILE SAN AGUSTIN
Reporter

A friend of mine recently wore a pin that said, "You can say 'Merry Christmas' to me." At first I laughed but then it got me thinking about the very core as to why she had to wear it in the first place.

In recent years, there has been a discussion among the secular world to ban the use of saying, "Merry Christmas." Obviously as a Catholic, I am appalled with the lack of respect on a day that celebrates the birth of my Savior. I've always believed in respecting the customs of other faiths, cultures and backgrounds. To me, that's what it means to be politically correct - embracing everyone's values - not banning them.

Because this is a hot-button issue in our nation, I think the best way to let those who are against the mention of "Merry Christmas" know it's importance to the world is to "scream" out loud our belief in the Incarnation of our Savior. We scream, not by standing on the statehouse steps proclaiming a "Merry Christmas," but by acting out the true meaning of Christmas. As the adage goes, "actions speak louder than words." So what better way to say "Merry Christmas" than by helping our poorest neighbors, the core ministry to whom the baby born on Christmas dedicated much of his life. Acts such as helping others truly in need deserve respect.

The Beacon's Christmas Sharing Fund is that opportunity to act "Merry Christmas" by helping the clients of diocesan Catholic Charities. Through a donation, families are able to find comfort through necessities because people of good faith have provided them with these needs.

No matter the amount, The Beacon appreciates any donation to bring a "Merry Christmas" to families and individuals experiencing the lost of a home, job, family member or health.

Over the years, more than $530,000 in Christmas Sharing Fund gifts has come in from individual readers, parish and community organizations and businesses all over the diocese's three counties of Morris, Passaic and Sussex bringing a Christmas to families who live in our diocese and are truly in need.

Because The Beacon handles all of the bookkeeping and clerical costs of the program, 100 percent of contributions are given directly to Catholic Charities. This includes mailing thank you letters to contributors.

Each week through the Advent and Christmas seasons, a list of screen and approved Catholic Charities cases will be published along with updated lists of donors and their contributions. Donor's requests for anonymity will be honored. Gifts may be made in memory of or in thanksgiving for friends and family members.

Also appearing each week will be a coupon to be filled out and sent with a Christmas Sharing gift to The Beacon.

Please know that The Beacon and diocesan Catholic Charities agencies lack storage space or pick-up and delivery transportation for items that people may want to give. Monetary donations will best fulfill the needs of clients' Christmas wishes.