Sights & Sounds: Parishes and schools share Christmas cheer in surprising ways
With Christmas fast approaching, parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark are finding ways to bring their congregations together in celebration. And while there have been plenty of tree lightings and Santa visits as always, some church and school communities have found unique and surprising ways to commemorate the yuletide season.
Here are a few examples:
St. Helen Church in Westfield
Wanting to bring attention to the true meaning of Christmas, families at St. Helen Church in Westfield held a birthday party for Jesus featuring cake, crafts, and caroling. Monsignor Thomas Nydegger, the parish’s pastor, entertained the youngest guests with a Nativity story. As part of a baby shower for Mary, dozens of diapers and wipes were collected for The Mercy House, which will distribute them to mothers in need.
Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tenafly
Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas, yet many Catholics are unaware of the flower’s history with the holiday. That’s not the case for second graders at Tenafly’s Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, who learned about the Mexican Legend of the Poinsettia and the importance of giving from the heart.
Afterward, the students created their own paper poinsettias as a reminder that humble gifts are often the most meaningful.
Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph Church in Hoboken
Father Alexander Santora and the Catholic Social Club at Hoboken’s Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph Church spread yuletide cheer to homebound parishioners during a Christmas Crawl throughout the city. At each stop, the group sang holiday carols and chatted amiably with grateful parishioners.
The homebound also received Communion from Father Santora and a potted poinsettia as a gift from the club.
Sacred Heart School in Lyndhurst
Students at Sacred Heart School in Lyndhurst learned the value of giving without recognition during St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6. Just as St. Nicholas secretly placed gold coins in an impoverished family’s shoes (according to legend), older students placed candy into shoes left in the hallway by their younger schoolmates. The children were happily surprised when they retrieved their shoes, while their older peers discovered that spreading joy to others is a reward in itself.
To view more images of these events, click HERE.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: The Catholic Social Club at Hoboken’s Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph Church spread yuletide cheer to homebound parishioners. (Photo Courtesy of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph Church)
