Papal Missionary Of Mercy Father Jim Sichko Brings Christmas Cheer To Homeless In Kentucky

Father Jim Sichko, who in February 2016 Pope Francis commissioned as one of his Papal Missionaries of Mercy - of which there are only 1000 in the world and 100 in the United States, is set to bring Christmas cheer to 50 homeless individuals on December 22, 2017. Fr. Jim serves in the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky.

Again, during this Christmas season, Fr. Jim will take his "out of the box" thinking and charter a 55-passenger bus from Bluegrass Charter and Tours and pick up 50 homeless individuals from the Salvation Army Shelter, along with a Kentucky State Police escort, to be taken to Malone's steakhouse for a special evening of holiday cheer. The experience will include professional carolers, a meal consisting of anything off the menu, and a visit from Santa... and that's not all. Each individual will receive brand new sweaters, jackets, scarves, gloves and a gift card to McDonald's.

Known for his random acts of generosity and kindness, Fr. Jim was honored by the US Congress and has made headlines on many occasions, giving away thousands of dollars to people at the grocery store and on the street.

"Having been chosen by the Pope is something very special and not to be taken for granted, so I want to set an example to all priests that getting out in the community can really make a difference," says Fr. Jim Sichko. "Although I am based in Kentucky, I travel all over the United States helping people and trying to find ways to bring the connections I have made through the years to spread love and acts of kindness at all times, not just at Christmas."

Most recently, Fr. Jim has helped families affected by Hurricane Harvey, handing out over $80,000 in cash, supplies and paying utility bills for many in Oragefield, Texas, as well as bringing more than $117,000 of aid to the people in Orange County, Texas. In addition, Fr. Jim provided new clothing for impoverished children in East Texas as well as providing hot meals for over 200 people. And the giving didn't stop there as Fr. Jim recently passed out over $5,000 in the "Giving Gone Wild" campaign supporting the LGBT community and Hispanic communities.

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