This weekend at the parish there was an annual event called Santa World! Santa World involes carols, raffles, cakes, Santa, and much more! We were invited to sing with the Children’s Liturgy Group during Santa World and we jumped at the chance! We sang soooo much Christmas music, including Rockin’ Robin which I’ve heard on a few Christmas stations here and which is apparently a Christmas standard! Who knew?!? The kids had a great time, but I think we had even more fun!
Here’s Molly leading us in our rehearsal…
And here’s the stage where Santa was…
As you probably read last weekend, Emily and I have been working with secondary school students to create Sister Act III…I mean…a Christmas program. Well, today was the day! We weren’t really sure what the whole service was because we were just told about what we would be doing. Turns out it was a service to highlight the work the students have been doing as part of their curriculum that is focused on music, art, sports, and recreational activities. After a few little performances the students received certificates in soccer, gardening, recreational reading, dance, and more! Our involvement was to help provide some religious music as part of a prayer to open the service. Our rendition of Prepare Ye and Silent Night/Night of Silence began the service and was followed by a prayer led by Fr. James and four of the students. The students did a nice job singing and it was a great way to begin a service recognizing the students’ achievements over the past semester.
A very special guest named Adam Nolan joined us at the service. Adam is an olympic boxer from County Wexford. He talked to the children about all the hard work and dedication that is required to succeed. He told them about his training and all the different steps it took for him to make it to the Olympics. He was very humble and down-to-earth and a group of about 25 girls (and a few boys) were lined up waiting to get autographs and pictures with this Wexford celebrity after the service.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Nolan
Right after the service Fr. James drove us to Kennedy Park where they were having a dedication ceremony for their new gymnasium. We walked in to beautiful singing provided by a few of the Kennedy Park classes. The children were standing on the brand new stage in front of an audience of the 5th and 6th class and numerous parents, teachers, and community members who played a part in the construction of the gym. This project has been in the works for several years and all the fundraising and contracting was done by the parish and school community. What a huge investment in the school and in the children! Now they have their own space for different events, ceremonies, liturgies, etc. where they can fit more than one class at a time! Emily and I were delighted that we could be there for the blessing (which was done by Bishop Lennon) and to hear the wonderful singing of the KP kids!
After some tea and sandwiches we went and visited the 4th class that we’re working with. Their class Mass is next Tuesday and they are already singing the songs we taught them like pros! A full day of being in the school is exhausting, and half the time we were eating sandwiches! I have such respect for teachers…especially when all the kids are going berserk because Christmas is coming! Speaking of Christmas coming…I think I smell Molly baking some Christmas cookies downstairs…SEE YA!
