Children readying for Christ-Masses

BY PAT PASTERNAK
STAFF WRITER

On Christmas Eve, when Catholics gather for Masses throughout the Albany Diocese, many of them will hear from children. For several months, youngsters in faith formation and youth ministries have been rehearsing carols, Christmas plays, bell-ringing and reading.

For example, Roseanne Kryjak, children's choir coordinator at St. Michael the Archangel parish in Cohoes, said the youngsters, 3-12, will sing and re-enact the birth of Jesus.

"Our children do the readings, sing in the choir and are altar servers," she said.

The pastor, Rev. Peter Tkocz, who plays the guitar, will sing Silent Night with the children, she said.

At the end of the Nativity pageant, each child will bring a carnation to the creche at the altar and present the flower to the baby Jesus.

Wynantskill                                                               

At St. Jude the Apostle parish in Wynantskill, children's choir director Liesl Dill plans to repeat last year's performance, which includes children singing traditional Christmas carols before the liturgy.

"They've also been practicing ringing the bells," she said, "which they will ring during the Gloria."

The children will also present a Nativity play geared especially toward their peers.

Cohoes

Holy Trinity parish in Cohoes has a full choir consisting of children from pre-school through high school. Joseph A. Hughes, organist and choir director, said the choir will lead all of the carol singing.

They will be joined by a children's orchestra and the adult choir. In addition, children will present a Nativity play and lead the community in singing carols before Mass.

"Our children and youth are always encouraged to do what they can to participate in our liturgies," Mr. Hughes said, "whether that is reading the Word, playing an instrument or singing in the choir.

"You really appreciate all the hard work that goes into this production when you look at the faces of the children, especially the little ones. They have a glow on their faces and you know that the expectation is not about Santa Claus. At this Mass, it's all about the birth of Jesus."

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