February 8, 2019

Local parishioner forms western Massachusetts chapter of Christ Child Society

REGIONAL
By Rebecca Drake

 

SPRINGFIELD – In 1887, Mary Virginia Merrick was just 20 years old, disabled, and had lost her parents the year before, leaving her to care for her six siblings. But her love of the Christ Child led her to formally establish the National Christ Child Society (NCCS) to help disadvantaged children with literacy, life skills, and basic needs.

Chuck Alfano, a parishioner of St. Michael Parish in East Longmeadow, came across Merrick’s biography just over a year ago and was inspired to establish the Christ Child Society of Western Massachusetts.

“I first learned of the Christ Child Society in January 2018, while researching saints on the Vatican website. I came across the name of Mary Virginia Merrick, Servant of God and founder of the Christ Child Society,” said Alfano, who serves his parish as a lector, eucharistic minister, and parish council member. 

Merrick was born on Nov. 1866 in Washington, D.C. According the NCCS website, www.nationalchristchild.org, “Mary Virginia Merrick as early as age 12 wanted to devote herself to serving children in need, inspired by her love of the Christ Child.”

As a result of an accident at age 14, Merrick became paralyzed and unable to sit without support. At age 16, she began her mission of serving children by giving a gift of handmade baby clothing to a needy family expecting a child at Christmastime. After establishing the NCCS a few years later, she dedicated the rest of her life to the leadership and expansion of the society. She died on Jan. 10, 1955 at the age of 88.

In 2011 the Archdiocese of Washington officially opened the sainthood cause for Merrick.

“Her life story fascinated me, which led me to contact the national office,” Alfano said. “After months of discussions and speaking with board members and staff, I was invited to attend their national conference in September in Milwaukee. In November, we agreed that I would start a chapter of the NCCS in Western Massachusetts.”

Alfano has since completed the initial requirements for chapter formation, including state and federal filings for organizations and tax exempt status. To date, there are 10 active members of the local chapter, which requires annual membership dues of $50.

There are 45 NCCS chapters throughout the U.S. with more than 6,000 members. The western Massachusetts chapter will be the second one in New England; the other chapter is based in Boston.

One service project shared by all of the chapters is the layette ministry with which Merrick began the organization. Last year the NCCS distributed more than 30,000 layettes – filled with essential baby board books and care information – to needy families.

Alfano notes that, in addition to the layette ministry, the local chapter plans to work with preschool children in reading enrichment programs and tutoring for elementary and middle school students. The local chapter also will offer parenting education classes, along with leadership, self-esteem and wellness programs.

“In addition, we intend to support children’s needs for new clothing, school supplies, and toys,” Alfano said, adding, “I’m aware that there are a number of organizations providing the same services. Our intention is to fill a void as well as partner with existing organizations.”

Among the areas of need that the local chapter is presently exploring is human trafficking awareness and training.

As he focuses on growing the membership in the local chapter, Alfano expressed gratitude for the support of his parish and his pastor, Father Wayne Biernat.

St. Michael Parish, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow, will host an informational meeting on the NCCS on Monday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Michaelmas Room.

For more information on the local chapter, contact Alfano at cea49a@gmail.com or 860-508-0805.