As we have done for over a decade, the St. Mary Youth Programs sold poinsettia plants this year.

This is our biggest fundraiser and helps us continue providing quality programs for our youth. This year we surpassed our goal and finished early — because of the generous support of our community — individuals and businesses alike. The generous support for this campaign and others have truly helped our programs grow and flourish.

All monies raised from our poinsettia plant sales go directly to assist our youth in continuing their work and participating in spiritually renewing events.

One of our goals is to bring children of all ages from Pre-K3 to 12th-grade together to experience fun events in a faith-grounded atmosphere.

I want to commend the youth by listing a few of the ways in which they perform service to our community: volunteering at the Stewpot, coordinating the Halloween Carnival and Easter Egg Hunt, performing the Living Stations of the Cross, donating to the Natchez Adams County Humane Society and Staples Food Drive, making cards and gift bags for those in nursing homes and the homebound and bringing poinsettias and spring plants to the homebound.

Also, this past month 36 teens and eight adults from St. Mary’s CYO (grades 9-12) attended World Youth Day in New Orleans, and it was an incredible experience for all of them.

Last summer 30 teens and adults from St. Mary participated in a Catholic Heart Work Camp mission trip to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They got to meet and work with adults and teens from over six different states. The CYO plans on attending CHWC again next summer.

With the holidays fast approaching, I invite you to our CYO’s annual Breakfast With Santa 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8 in the O’Connor Family Life Center.

Every child will have the opportunity to make lasting memories and holiday traditions by sharing some up close and personal time with Santa Claus.

Following the yummy breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to pose for photos and present a holiday wish list to the big guy in the red suit. Bring your camera to capture the moment.

Tickets are $10 per person and breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, milk and juice. Must show ticket at the door. There is limited seating so please buy your tickets in advance.

Call Carrie Lambert at 601-445-5616 or email stmaryyouth@cableone.net for further information.

Again, I want to thank our community for its generosity and for supporting our programs and our youth throughout the year.

Carrie Lambert is the youth director for St. Mary.