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The Evangelist asked a sampling of parishes around the Albany Diocese about their Christmas plans:

ST. MARY'S, WATERFORD
Kindergarten through fourth-grade faith formation students at St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Waterford participated in a "holiday happenings" event before Christmas. The faith formation and youth group director, Cathleen Olmstead, compared the morning of fun to a "mini vacation Bible school," with movies about the Nativity and St. Nicholas and stations of Advent-related activities.

Eight youth group members supervised the 30 younger children, told the legends of candy canes and Santa Claus and helped make ornaments, decorate cookies and design shoe-shaped bags, which are later filled with presents when Santa visits the church. An Advent station features wreaths and candles and explanations of traditions. The group also sings "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.

"The kids really like it," Mrs. Olmstead said.

The parish puts on a similar Christmas program every year; there's also a "holiday happenings" during Lent. Mrs. Olmstead switches things up - different videos and crafts, for instance - so the kids don't get bored. Games, like Nativity bingo, are available for those who finish activities early.

A group of about five senior parishioners routinely help at such events.

"We've got young kids, we've got teens and we've got older people mingling together, and I think that's positive," the leader said. "We're trying to make everybody make a connection to the Church. I'm hoping they see older people who care about their faith and some of the traditions we have surrounding Christmas and Advent.

"In this secular and consumerist world they live in," she continued, "I want them to know that this is a religious holiday. It's not about cookies and toys. It's about the birth of Jesus. I find that when kids can make a connection to that, it's meaningful to them. Our faith is rich, and we need to pass that on the best we can."

ST. FRANCIS, HERKIMER
About 88 pre-kindergarten-through-sixth-grade students from St. Francis de Sales School in Herkimer performed in a Christmas concert at St. Francis de Sales parish last week.

The principal, Sister Rosalie Kelley, CSJ, boasted that it was her 39th such event.

"It's the one big event of the year where everybody shows," she said. The "Shepherds, Sheep and a Savior" concert attracted parents and other parishioners.

"This is the night that we proclaim how St. Francis School is different than all other schools in our area," Sister Rosalie said before the show. "We have the freedom to gather together and speak about, sing about, what Christmas should really be about: God loving us so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to show us how best to journey through earthly life and pass over into eternal life."

Since 9/11, the concerts end with the students singing "We Pray for Peace" - which had special significance this year in light of the Newtown, Conn., shootings, Sister Rosalie noted.

SACRED HEART, SIDNEY
Sixth-graders and first-graders at Sacred Heart parish in Sidney teamed up for a Gospel play on Christmas Eve. A fifth-grader filled in as a sheep.

The nine sixth-graders delivered the bulk of the lines, with first-graders playing the heavenly choir of angels.

Fifth-graders typically put on their own performance on Annunciation Sunday. Third- and fourth-graders do something special during ordinary time, like reciting the Our Father in American Sign Language. Kindergartners sing a song another time, and second-graders stick with reconciliation preparations.

Other Advent activities at the parish this year included a youth group karaoke caroling night and a six-week faith-sharing group series for adults.[[In-content Ad]]

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