For all of us, the church’s decorations for the various liturgical seasons are amazing—the creativity, the talent, the time—so many folks give so freely of their talents to make it all happen, often times with only a day or two to make the change-over from Advent into Christmas, for example. For many, we come for Mass and everything is finished, as if it was “magic” or angels worked overnight. Pretty close!

I want to acknowledge all those who offer their services to make the transition from one season into the next for us all to enjoy—and to invite others to consider being part of this wonderful team of “liturgical helpers.”

I need to start by thanking longtime participants Barbara Hopkins and Terry Longo who have for years, if not decades, taken care of ordering and hanging the wreaths inside and outside of the church, fluffing ribbons for the garland and stringing it up, and overseeing the ordering and placement of the poinsettias around the altar and before the crèche. This adds such a festive touch to the whole of the church and our spiritual experiences. Janet Fischer has become our resident floral designer complete with theological inspiration for the use of God’s creativity with the flowers and plants around the altar and tabernacle. Such creativity and splendor are brought to life and bring a celestial glow about the sanctuary. That creativity extends also to the “props” used such as the boxes representing gold, frankincense and myrrh to raise the floral arrangements for easy viewing. Kathy Moore selects, sews, presses and places the wonderful material that bedecks our altar and tabernacle table, making the plain wooden structure look regal. Her good taste mixes well with her talents!

Kathi Bonner and company are responsible for pulling down the Advent Season and preparing everything for Christ-mas—the crèche and all its figures with the great help of Kathy Reilly and Michelle Rice, the Christmas tree for decorating, beautifully designed by Alexandra Polomo, and other items too numerous to list. There is a great deal of back-breaking work that goes into all of this. Some of the heavier lifting is provided by Dennis Hannon, Mike Grappone, and Drew Stimpson (home from college), and Mike Daly and this includes hanging all the garland and hooking up the lights, not to mention taking down the four Advent Wreaths and putting up the large Christmas wreath high about the sanctuary wall. These workers also light up all the trees on the property including the large Blue Spruce, the tree out by the pond, and the rear trees in the new parking lot—making all the lands festive.

Then, members of the Men’s Club Ministry including Lou Daniels, David Pluta, Kevin Adams, Hugh Caldwell and Danny Hayes set-up the outdoor crèche made from the former barn on the property near the intersection of Stratton Brook and Farms Village. Ushers Steve Cerchia and the many others who setup Russell Hall for the televised Mass and all the additional chairs for the church proper to help with overflow. Not to be outdone, I do place the Child Jesus in the crèche on Christmas Eve! And many of these folks extend their help to the decorations at the rectory, too.

I wish to extend my sincere and grateful thanks for all their time, talent and energy—especially during what is a very busy time in their own homes with decorations and preparations—and I am truly thankful for such a wonderful group of giving people!