In a previous column it was noted that Msgr. Peet, Sister Leo Ann and Mary Watkins addressed an archdiocesan-wide conference on schools and school boards. The interest in our methods of organization and communication was phenominal. Sister Leo Ann received many phone calls requesting more information about our school and its relation to the parish and the neighborhood. Sister spent an entire morning mailing brochures and handbooks to schools that requested them. Apparently such items are considered unusual and innovative for a parochial school.
It was a mild sunny Sunday afternoon on December 18 when many neighborhood children assembled at the Four Corners for a community carol fest. Sister Leo Ann and Sister Charles stopped by to lend support. After half an hour of vocalizing, the singers adjourned to the library for cookies and cocoa.
That evening at 7:30, St. Roch held its annual Birthday Party for Baby Jesus. Young children and their parents came to the church to hear Msgr. Peet tell the story of the first Christmas. Volunteers took the various roles and were given appropriate costumes or props. After a procession to the crib, the children placed homemade gifts at the manger. A party with a birthday cake and candles followed in Scariot Hall. Many thanks to Anne Judy for planning a memorable holiday event for the young members of our area.
The drama department, under the direction of Ed Martin, presented another play. This one was for the Christmas sea- son and entitled “Empty Gesture”. The performance on December 20 was for the students and interested parents.
The afternoon of Wednesday, December 21 will not be soon forgotten. After many weeks of preparation and practice, the Christmas tableaux finally arrived. The first graders enacted the Christmas story while the second graders sang carols and the third graders retold the gospel story. Words cannot capture the moment or the emotions it evoked. The children were superb. Mary and Joseph were devout. The angels were radiant. The shepherds had the appearance of humble nomads of long ago. The kings movedwith with regal bearing. The second graders sang with their hearts. The third graders read with clarity and expression. Accolades are due Mrs. Sanders, Sister Catherine and Sister Dorothy who planned and worked very hard to bring parents, grandparents, friends and parishioners the true meaning of Christmas. Father O’Brien, the pastor of All Saints, was on the altar with Msgr. Peet and Father Fleming. At the Offertory, the students brought to the altar the canned goods that had been collected throughout Advent. This food was distributed to the needy of our area during the holidays.
On December 22, Santa made his annual visit to St. Roch. The Christmas party included the kindergartens from Hamilton and Hamilton III. Neighborhood School had already been dismissed for the holidays so they did not attend the festivities. The children sang carols for Santa and they were rewarded with candy from his sack. In the afternoon, the faculty had their Christmas party. Turkey and all the trimmings were served in the convent dining room. Presents were exchanged by all.
The adult choir of St. Roch was assisted at midnight Mass by two groups of school children. Peter Watkins played the guitar and led a group of eighth graders in singing carols before Mass and several parts within the service. Chris Mudd also played the guitar and led a group of sixth graders in singing carols before Mass.
January 8 was the feast of the Epiphany. Father O’Brien invited the three kings from the Chirstmas pageant to participate in the 10:30 Mass at All Saints. Miguel Figueras, Matt Christopher and Kevin Logan carried statues of the three kings to the manger. A social hour followed in the church hall.
The fall mini-courses ended on November 30. A gigantic “thank you” is due Yvonne Christopher for her untiring and unselfish service as the chairperson of this program. She was assisted by two other dedicated workers, Mary Watkins and Pat Fitzgerald. The spring session will begin on February 1 and continue for eight weeks. Anyone wishing to volunteer ideas or service should contact Yvonne Christopher.
Originally published in The Paper, February 1978.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: The printed “phenominal,” “movedwith with” and “Chirstmas” are retained.
Original source: SD_Times1978_02.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 7.
