September 29, 2025 // Bishop

At Mass, Christ Child Society Members Honored for Putting Faith in Action

Bethany Beebe

“Jesus is teaching us that those who have been enkindled with the light of the word of God are to shine forth that light, not hide it,” Bishop Rhoades said on Monday, September 22, during Mass for members of the Christ Child Society of Fort Wayne, whose mission is to spread the light of Christ through the care of babies and children in the community.

In his homily during the Mass at Most Precious Blood Church, Bishop Rhoades said the Gospel reading was especially appropriate for the evening’s gathering for Mass and dinner, bringing to mind Mary Virginia Merrick, the founder of the Christ Child Society.

Photos by Bethany Beebe
Bishop Rhoades receives the gifts from members of the Christ Child Society of Fort Wayne during Mass for the society at Most Precious Blood Church in Fort Wayne on Monday, September 22.

“When you think about Mary Virginia Merrick’s life, it is really incredible,” Bishop Rhoades said of how she used her Gospel light. “She placed it on a lampstand. She brought that light to others, and wow, did it shine? It shined on thousands of poor children and their families. It shined on the many people who, inspired by her faith and love, became members of the Christ Child Society.”

Bishop Rhoades recounted highlights of Merrick’s life story, saying she hoped to become a religious sister but was unable to fulfill this dream after a fall at age 14 and then the onset of a disease that caused paralysis a few years later.

“Rather than feel sorry for herself or lose the faith,” Bishop Rhoades said, “Mary Virginia became even closer to Jesus and was determined to serve Him despite her paralysis.”

Merrick focused on the Child Jesus and founded the Christ Child Society at age 21. The work did not end with “just” founding the organization.

“She devoted her life to prayer and organizing and leading the Christ Child Society, inspiring others to join her in sewing layettes for poor children, making and collecting clothes for them, distributing Christmas gifts, and other services,” Bishop Rhoades said. “She even arranged for children living in the slums to be taken to a fresh-air program in the country during the summer.” Regardless of health issues, the woman known as “Miss Mary” gave the gift of service to the people of the Washington, D.C., area.

“Chapters were formed in other cities, and the society grew throughout the United States, including South Bend and later here in Fort Wayne,” Bishop Rhoades said. Expressing his thanks for the members “embracing the word of God and bringing the light of that word to the children,” he also said members do the work for the right reasons.

“You don’t do it for fame or to be recognized,” he said. “You do it, as Mary Virginia Merrick did it, for the love of Jesus, for the love of the Christ Child.”

The Fort Wayne chapter’s work has shown tangible outcomes. In 2024 alone, society members shared 69,356 diapers, 5,702 books, 3,070 new coats, 640 backpacks, and 767 layettes with those in need. Backpacks contain hygiene items, comforts, and basic supplies for children removed from their homes.

Outside the direct donations, the society’s Blessings program shares resources with partner organizations for specific requests. The Crib Club supplies all the diapers, wipes, and new clothes to the Women’s Care Center, and a pilot program, called Down Under, is being well received. Currently working with 10 schools in the area, socks and underwear are supplied, and program organizers hope to add shoes in the future.

Debby Williams, president of the Fort Wayne chapter of the Christ Child Society, told Today’s Catholic that these initiatives and the others facilitated by her organization are completed by a group of people who want to serve, so much so that finding leadership for the society is a necessary challenge in order to organize its 206 members.

Williams said she feels the society “is a genuine way for us to share our faith in not only word but in action.”

Future wishes of the organization include a van to haul its donations and a building in which to store and organize them and give its members a place to work.

Support for the organization’s work comes in the form of three major initiatives. In the baby bottle campaign, empty bottles are distributed at area parishes and returned with a financial contribution. An annual fall golf outing also helps the cause. Finally, a request is made for a gala with a special catch: Instead of supplying all the trappings of an actual gala, invitees are asked to donate the money they would have spent on a formal event and donate it to the cause.

To learn more about the Fort Wayne chapter of the Christ Child Society, visit their website at christchildfw.org.