On Saturday, December 6th, following the 5PM Mass, St. Anselm Parish celebrated the lighting of our Advent Trees. Fr. Kevin, counting down the parishioners to the tree lighting, led the celebration.
And what a celebration it was! A new stable, specifically constructed for the St. Anselm outdoor crèche greeted parishioners as they exited the church. There was hot cocoa for individuals who wanted to warm themselves on a cold winter’s night. Warm hearts were everywhere as people greeted each other and searched for their own “special” tree, while joining happily in singing a selection of much loved carols. Then – with the countdown and the words of blessing, read by Fr. Kevin, the lights came on and we saw the beautiful trees, wreaths and angels shining and glittering and the holiday themed images projected on the bell tower and the sidewalk. As we decorate our homes – so we decorate our church in anticipation of the coming of Our Lord.
The annual event requires a great deal of effort, planning and time – and say we say “thank you” to Harry D’Onfrio, Sal Yurman and his son Sal from Triton Electric for the new interior and exterior lighting, the angels, the holiday projections on the bell tower and 4th Avenue pavement, Benito “Benny” Martinez-Aguerre, who constructed the new crèche, the Ft. Hamilton Landscaping & Gardening Center – Joseph Imbriale and his dedicated and hardworking crew who do all the tree installations year after year, Scout Troop 13, Scout Leader John McClusky & his son John, and the Laporte family – Ken & Amy and Scout Greg, for providing the hot cocoa, Scott Battaglia, Music Director, for leading the congregation in hymns, Patrick Gooney, the St. Anselm Plant Manager, Eileen and Peter Loughlin, and Suzanne Whiteaker.
Thank you to Fr. Kevin, to all the parishioners for your generous support of the Advent Trees and a special thank you to the Chairs of the Advent Tree Lighting – Kim Parker & Phyllis Arlia.
All the best,
The Saint Anselm Publicity Committee