December 19, 2024

Mercy Home’s young people, coworkers, board members, and guests gathered during the first week of December to celebrate a favorite Christmas tradition: The 32nd annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This special event officially kicks off the holiday season at our Home and allows our youth to share their community service projects as summarized in the Book of Service.

Chief Operating Officer Joe Wronka greeted the crowd before introducing Fr. Scott Donahue, who shared a Christmas reflection from St. Luke’s Gospel.

Fr. Scott then reflected on a book he read while in college, The Sacred Canopy by Peter Berger. In the book, Berger notes that there are signs of God’s presence in our world, including joy and the ability to enjoy and appreciate life.

“We live in a time when we need a sense of hope,” he said. “It’s a time when we want to be filled with joy and gratitude for all the blessings that come into our lives. … I’m praying this night as we celebrate and light our Christmas tree, we can enter into the joy and the hope of the season.”

After Fr. Scott’s reflection, our young people shared their favorite Christmas memories in a short video before the four youth representatives highlighted the ways all of our young people gave back to others throughout the city and suburbs during the past year.

Josh, Alise, Alexis, and Liz described the numerous volunteer opportunities that our young people took advantage of this year. These included a service trip to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, partnering with organizations like Nourishing Hope, the Pilsen Food Pantry and the Second Harvest Food Bank to pass out sandwiches to the unhoused, making crafts and playing games with the residents at Misericordia and Little Sisters of the Poor, making treats at Ronald McDonald House and a day of service at Big Marsh Park among other activities.

“These experiences helped us grow as individuals and together,” Josh said.

Alise added, “This year has provided so many incredible opportunities for us, and we are looking forward to what 2025 will bring.”

In keeping with tradition at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony our young people presented the Book of Service as their Christmas gift to the City of Chicago. Accepting the book on behalf of the city was local 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett and City Clerk Anna Valencia, both of whom also expressed their appreciation for the impact that Mercy Home and its young people have on Chicago.

The ceremony ended with a countdown from 10 before Caleb from Cooke Home threw the switch, illuminating the ceiling-high tree and officially ringing in Christmas celebrations at Mercy Home. Youth and guests then joined in singing “Silent Night.”

Afterward, our young people enjoyed a pizza party while the board members gathered in for our annual Christmas Party.