St. Michael, St. Raphael celebrate giving together
December 27, 2016

Teens and volunteers with the St. Michael Catholic Church youth ministry program in Houston helped celebrate an annual giving Christmas party with families from St. Raphael Catholic Church. Photo courtesy of Cimela Kidonakis/Optix Studios.
HOUSTON — More than 50 families with children from St. Raphael Catholic Church gathered with the social justice and youth programs of St. Michael Catholic Church in Houston for the fifth annual Christmas Party Dec. 11.
Families in need of financial or spiritual help during the Christmas season were welcomed to a festive event that began with a bilingual Advent prayer and reflection. Teens from St. Michael’s youth ministry programs partnered up with children during the party for crafts and games.
“The St. Michael teens had a great time serving the community by not just putting together Christmas gift packages or sorting food in a charity pantry but really spending time with kids and their families,” said Matt Zelinsky, associate director of youth faith formation at St. Michael.