Saint Josephine Bakhita
Advent Faith Activity

The Giving Manger

We invite our families in Faith Formation as well as all our parishioners to join us in our Advent Faith Activity. Create a simple manger for Jesus out of a basket or small box and fill it each day with straw or strips of paper every time you perform an act of kindness.

The Giving Manger is a tradition that focuses on preparing for Jesus' birth through acts of kindness and service to others. During Advent, a piece of straw (or other material like hay, yarn, paper, ribbon, etc.) is placed in the manger for each kind deed or act of service performed during Advent.

You can do this as a household of one or with everyone (mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandparents, cousins, god-parents and grown-ups)! Be creative and have fun!

Click on the link below to download "The Giving Manger" kit with samples acts of kindness for adults and children in your household.

When your manger is full at Christmas, please share pictures with the Faith Formation Office so that we can share them. Our Office is located on the Saint James Campus, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill or email them directly to reo@sjbrh.org.

Scroll down to view some of our Giving Mangers from prior years.