As part of their celebration of the holy season of Advent and preparation for the Birth of Christ, the following parishes have announced events for the Advent season.
Handel’s Messiah in Rumson
Holy Cross Parish, 30 Ward Ave., Rumson, will present George Frideric Handel’s Messiah Part One Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. in the church. The concert will feature the parish choir, along with choral artists and a chamber orchestra led by Don Carolina. Suggested offering is $20.
Memory Tree tradition in Colts Neck
St. Mary Parish, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, will uphold its annual Memory Tree tradition.
A $10 donation signifies a light in memory of a deceased loved one, or in honor of a living recipient. His/her name will be inscribed in a special “Memory Book,” which will be displayed in the gathering space. Each donation also entitles the donor to a card to send to the family of the deceased or to the honoree.
The deadline for forms is Dec. 3. All contributions will be directed toward improvements in St. Mary Parish.
Participants are also invited to the tree lighting ceremony to be held after the 4 p.m. Mass Dec. 15. Music will be provided by the parish choir and a reception will follow in the gathering space.
For more information, call 732-780-2666 or co-chairs Molly Aiello at 732-598-6808 and Freda O’Doherty at 732-577-9541. The Memory Tree will be lit through the Advent and Christmas seasons until the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6.
Evening of Reflection in Lawrenceville
St. Ann Parish, 1253 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, will hold an Advent Evening of Reflection Dec. 4.
The evening will be presented by Brother Michael O’Neill McGrath, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales is an artist, author and speaker. His sacred art consists of paintings, designed at the request of various parish communities or commissioned by individuals. His illustrations are sought as cover art for magazine articles and for use in textbooks by leading Catholic publishers. Using his artwork as a backdrop for the sharing of colorful stories from the Gospels and from the lives of the saints, he incorporates a blend of humor and depth.
The Dec. 4 presentation, entitled “Saints and Prophets,” will feature Brother Mickey as he shares art and stories inspired by biblical Old Testament figures such as Abraham and Sarah; Gospel figures including the Blessed Virgin Mary, Elizabeth, Anna and Joachim, and modern day saints and heroes such as Dorothy Day and St. John XXIII.
Doors open for a welcome reception at 6:15 p.m. with the presentation following from 7 to 9. For more information, contact Sister of St. Joseph Pat McGinley, pastoral associate at 609-882-6491, ext. 115 or email pmcginley@churchofsaintann.net.
Spring Lake parish hosting Christmas concert
An evening of carols and holiday music is coming to St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake, with a performance by the Atlantic Wind Ensemble.
The 40-member concert band, which consists of multi-generational musicians from around Central New Jersey, will perform a Christmas Festival at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 in the church, 3rd & Essex Avenues, Spring Lake.
Currently under the direction of Dennis Eschbach, the ensemble has been providing musical entertainment for the community in Monmouth and Ocean Counties for more than 25 years. The group is affiliated with the Ocean Grove Summer Band.
No tickets are required for the concert. For more information, contact St. Catharine-St. Margaret parishioner Michaline Manno at michalinemanno@gmail.com.
‘Breakfast in Bethlehem’ in Toms River
St. Joseph Parish, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, will host “Breakfast In Bethlehem” Dec. 8.
Families are invited at attend the 8 a.m. Mass. A breakfast will follow in the cafeteria of Donovan Catholic. Children are encouraged to dress as his/her favorite angel, shepherd, barnyard animal or as a star. Students in grades pre-school through 12 are needed to act out the story and all students of the parish are encouraged to volunteer. A rehearsal is on Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.
Registration to attend or to volunteer is required . Contact Nancy at nuffer@stjosephtomsriver.org or 732-349-0018, ext. 2225. Fee is $8 per person or $20 for a family of four.
Family Advent wreath-making
St. Leo the Great Parish, 50 Hurley’s Lane, Lincroft, will host the traditional Family Advent Wreath gathering Nov. 25 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
The gathering will include singing Christmas Carols and refreshments. Participants are also asked to bring desserts or snacks to share, gloves and small pruners. A fee of $7 will be used to purchase the wire frame, greens and candles.
A sign-up sheet is available in the back of the church after all Masses or on the parish website at stleothegreat.com/advent-wreath. Payment can be made at the door.