NEWTOWN – A community living the spirit of Christmas gathered at Newtown High School to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Saint Rose of Lima parish celebrated the Christmas vigil mass at the Berkshire Road school building with a children’s nativity pageant, a tradition that has been bringing the community together for more than 20 years.
“To have the kids be the living example of that special night is so beautiful,” said Cate Gosselin, Director of Parish Faith Formation. “It’s a family mass and truly a community evening.”
More than 200 people attended the mass in the school auditorium, which enabled those in attendance to practice social distancing.
Pastor Msgr. Robert Weiss acknowledged that things were different this year. “Unfortunately, COVID has taken a toll on our Christmas celebrations,” he said noting that the auditorium would usually be standing-room only.
Despite the challenges of the past year, he said the giving-spirit of parishioners never wavered.
“Christmas is a time to open ourselves to the needs of other people,” said Msgr. Weiss, as he commended the congregation for a successful coat drive, toy drive and food drives for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
He also offered prayers for those in need.
“It takes a lot of humility to accept help,” he said, adding, “You are really living beautifully the story of Christmas that these children just brought to life.”
Children in grades kindergarten through third grade dressed as shepherds, angels innkeepers and wise men. Pre-kindergarten aged children were dressed as a cow, camel, lamb or donkey. The children depicted the story of Christmas after the Gospel reading.
Gosselin said it’s nice to see children and grandchildren come back every year to participate in the pageant. It’s a reunion of sorts for people in the community.
“I really enjoy the pageant,” said Terri Scinto, whose husband, Richard, is a deacon and assisted at the mass. “It’s one of my favorite things at Christmastime.”
At the end of mass Santa Claus made an appearance, kneeling before the children portraying Mary and Joseph and presenting Mary with a rose.
“It’s a powerful moment when Santa presents Mary with a rose and kneels,” said Scinto, adding it’s a good message and reminder about the reason for the season.
Weiss said he was grateful for all the children for participating in the pageant and to the parents and grandparents for encouraging them to do so.
“Children, thank you for bringing alive the beautiful story of Christmas,” Weiss said.
