Gift of Goodness | Michael: A story of Hope
PRAYER: Lord Our God, You are the source of all. Accompany us this Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Guide us and lead us Lord as we use our gifts of goodness to work as one to create the world you want. Awake in my heart hope, peace, love and joy this Advent. We ask this prayer in Your name, Amen.
Michael lives in Sydney and his family have been facing hardships for most of his life. Like Mary, Michael’s mother was pretty young when Michael was born. His dad doesn’t live with them any more.
Michael is quite young and his mother struggled with addiction and mental health issues before she became pregnant with him.
CatholicCare runs an intervention service that works with children, like Michael who are at risk of being taken into care, away from their family.
Michael’s mum has been working with CatholicCare’s HOPE program for three years and is looking to provide a better life for Michael and herself.
Christmas is a time of hope… but it has often been harder at Michael’s house. Last year CatholicCare brought a hamper of food, a gift of goodness to Michael’s family. Michael and his mum were filled with joy and hope.
Michael’s mum has hope. She is working hard and has finished school. She’s is studying to be a social worker and has turned her life around; she wants to help others like her change their lives too. Michael’s mum wants to give hope to babies born into poverty and hardship.
Other people’s kindness gives Michael hope that the future will be brighter. When you support CatholicCare’s Gift of Goodness campaign you are helping families like Michael’s all across Sydney.
REFLECT
- How is Michael’s story one of hope?
- Michael and his mum have faced many challenges on her journey. What challenges have you faced?
- In 2017 CatholicCare provided family support to thousands of families across the city. Why is it vital that services like this are available to families like Michael’s?
SEE, JUDGE ACT
See
- What exactly is happening?
- What is it doing to the people?
- Why is this happening?
Judge
- What do you think about all this?
- What do you think should be happening?
- What does your faith say?
Act
- What exactly is it that you want to change?
- What actions are you going to take now?
- Who can you involve in your action?
Many Sydney families need extra help at Christmas time. Some can’t afford even the most basic food items to make a healthy meal, let alone Christmas dinner. And some need extra assistance because their family is in crisis at Christmas time. This year the good people at Harris Farm Markets are helping us provide nutritious Christmas Hampers for the many people who call CCareline needing food and help. You can give a Gift of Goodness by collecting money for hampers and by sending messages of love to families facing hardship.
