was received from a Parish Priest. Readers are reminded that the "Catholic Herald" Adoption Scheme still remains open and is not meant to be a mere Christmas charity. We have many names of families asking for that neighbourliness and practical -Friendship which is the essence of the scheme. If you can manage it, will you send us your name?]
" A number of my people, unemployed and on the means test, were fortunate enough to be ' adopted ' this Christmas. I visited various homes during the week before Christmas, and again on Christ. mas Day itself, where I was hoping parcels would arrive. How abundantly were my hopes fulfilled! I cannot tell you the measure of joy and thankfulness with which parcels were received; nor can I tell you the difference made in these homes, spiritually and materially, by the thoughtful charity and generous liberality of the donors. As far as I know each donor has been thanked individually, and I do know that many prayers have been offered this Christmas in humble and joyful gratitude.
" May God bless all: those who originated the scheme; those who gave so generously; and last, but not least, all those who received."