More than 2,000 years ago, the gospels recount wise men bringing the Christ Child gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Faithful at Newark St. Francis de Sales Church today bring Him bottles, baby clothes and diapers.
Gifts for Baby Jesus, a program at St. Francis de Sales, collects gifts for Christ as three men did millenniums ago. Christ and His Blessed Mother, while not present in the flesh, are reflected today in young mothers and babies experiencing poverty, suffering and unforeseen circumstances much like the Holy Family did.
Every January, St. Francis de Sales parishioners are invited to bring items for the Christ Child.
The parish’s Respect Life ministry has collected items for Heartbeats, located on the east side of Newark, for some time. The program began more than a decade ago, benefiting families in the community who come to the life-affirming pregnancy resource medical center in need.
A name change several years ago resulted in a significant uptick in donations.
“When we first initiated the theme, ‘Gifts for Baby Jesus,’ it just doubled – doubled – what the parishioners were giving,” said Helen Sage, a longtime member of the parish Respect Life group.
“If we just said we’re doing it for Jesus, I don’t think it would have as much of an impact. The term ‘Gifts for Baby Jesus’ just seems to give a whole different perspective.”
The collection runs through the end of the month, wrapping up around the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2, when the traditional Christmas season in the Church concludes.
In the past, a marble Nativity set of the Holy Family was displayed, inviting parishioners to bring their gifts to Christ. This year, faithful can lay their items before a statue of Mary holding her Son.
The timing of the collection each year, Sage said, was inspired by “the idea of giving gifts during the Christmas season, and trying to not just give gifts to our own families, but those in need.”
“The parish’s annual Gifts for Baby Jesus outreach has been a profound blessing,” affirmed Liz McCullough, executive director at Heartbeats for Life.
“Our vision is to cherish and protect every human life both in the womb and in strong families.
“These gifts meet critical, practical needs while conveying the love of Christ to mothers and fathers facing economic hardship. This not only blesses families materially but strengthens the culture of life in our community, decreasing pressures that often lead women to consider abortion.”
Sage said bags of donated items at St. Francis de Sales are delivered to Heartbeats about weekly in January.
“I would make sometimes two trips over to Heartbeats with what was left (at the church) each week,” she said. “Sometimes it’s just once a week, but sometimes it would be heavy enough that I’d have to make two.”
Most-needed items at Heartbeats for Life include diapers – especially larger sizes, McCollough noted – wipes, baby bottles and formula, clothing and blankets. All baby-care items are given to families in need free of cost.
“St. Francis de Sales parish and Heartbeats are united in a shared commitment to the sanctity of life and Gospel witness,” McCollough said.
“Parishioners have supported Heartbeats through prayer, volunteer engagement and generosity, demonstrating how parish life can tangibly reflect Christ’s mercy and compassion.”
In a 2024 Ohio impact report compiling pregnancy center state data, the Charlotte Lozier Institute reported pregnancy centers in Ohio provided $22 million in services and material support to families. More than 125,000 women, youth and men received care and assistance statewide.
Heartbeats for Life, which serves individuals in Licking, Muskingum and Perry counties, offers pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, parenting education, referrals and after-abortion ministry at no cost.
Outreach extends virtually across the globe through Heartbeats’ resource www.HopeAfter.org, offering post-abortion support groups in-person and online.
Parishioner support at St. Francis de Sales and the success of Gifts for Baby Jesus is likely because of Who is served.
“When you realize Jesus is living in that person, well, if you do it for that person, you’re really doing it for Jesus,” Sage reflected. “We know we’re doing it for Heartbeats, but Jesus, we want to do whatever You want us to do.”