At the conclusion of the 5pm Mass on Saturday, December 7th, Fr. Ray blessed our Advent Trees, asking the gathered parishioners to join him in declaring – “Let there be light!” and the scores of evergreens gracing our church garden along 4th Avenue and down 82nd street blazed into glorious light – to the delight of the parishioners who had gathered for our 13th Annual Advent Tree Lighting.
The assembled crowd greeted family and friends, many of them searching for their “own” tree to take a photo, as they admired the beautiful display centered around the parish’s outdoor Nativity, which was graced with statues of Mary and Joseph, wise men, an angel, a shepherd, as well as numerous livestock – all awaiting the arrival of the Infant Jesus – on Christmas Eve.
A project such as the Advent Tree lighting requires a great deal of time, effort, and planning for which we thank our wonderful Committee Chairs Phyllis Arlia & Kim Parker, who with Kerry Greene, made this beautiful display happen.
“Thank you”, also, to our parishioners for sponsoring the trees for their families and friends, or in honor or in remembrance of loved ones.
The beautiful display will remain up ‘till the New Year to be enjoyed by our parishioners and the community throughout Advent and the Christmas season.
All the best,
The St. Anselm Publicity Committee