Weekly Update
December 3, 2019
We hope that all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. Here at Saint Paul’s Choir School, the boys welcomed the season of Advent with a beautiful tree lighting ceremony on Sunday afternoon in Harvard Square. As if on cue, snow started to fall as soon as Mr. Adach began playing carols on the keyboard. With a twinkle in his eye, Mr. Kennerley launched the boys into some of the favorites of the children who had gathered around. A special thanks to Denise Jilson of the Harvard Square Business Association for inviting the choir to this event, one that has been a long-standing tradition.
Advent Penance Service – Dec. 6th: As is also our Advent tradition, Fr. Kelly, Fr. Patrick and Fr. George will be available for boys who wish to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Friday, December 6th. Advent being a time of preparation for the future coming of our celebrating the Birth of Christ, we encourage all boys to either receive the sacrament or ask for a blessing. Parents are encouraged to discuss this important and sometimes neglected sacrament with their boys and encourage them to see the importance of cleansing their souls as a welcoming Jesus into their lives.
Christmas Concerts: Tickets are on sale online on our website, by phone and at all the Sunday liturgies for the next couple of weeks for our upcoming Celebration of Christmas Concerts performed by St. Paul’s Choir of boys and men. Please do not be shy about sharing the beautiful music of our choir with your extended family, friends and work acquaintances. We are receiving expanded media coverage this year in part through the assistance of our PR agent, Michelle McGrath. A Boston Globe reporter was taking pictures at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, so be on the lookout for press. If you would like to receive the complete press release for these and other Christmas Concerts, please contact Mr. Moran (pmoran@saintpaulschoirschool.us).
Family Christmas Concert: On Wednesday, December 18, at 5:30 we will have our traditional family Christmas concert during which all of our students are provided an opportunity to showcase their talents. (PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS BECAUSE THIS IS A DATE CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS CALENDARS AND THE SEASON OF MUSIC BROCHURE). Alumni and families of alumni are welcome to attend the event that will be held in Digiovanni Hall. All alumni will be provided an opportunity to sing with the choir, which will include Fr. Kelly and all of our choral scholars who are available.
Germany Fundraising Auction Site: Mrs. Flaherty has created an online auction site as a wonderful opportunity to purchase some beautiful gifts from donations to the choir school or simply support one of the different activities for our upcoming Germany Tour. If you receive these weekly updates, you should receive an invitation and link to the site in the coming days. Weather permitting, some of our boys will be washing cars on December 7th!
Parents are coordinating to sell items at the Christmas Bazaar that is being hosted in the lower church during December. Please think of possible items that we can sell at the table (we already received a nice supply of small bottles of maple syrup and handmade woolen winter accessories from two families). Take advantage of these opportunities to do some of your shopping for Christmas gifts and make it a gift to the Choir as well. Please share with family and friends, and of course we accept donations to be towards the Germany trip.
We will also be having a pop up Christmas shop for the boys to do their own shopping for family members next week. We will let you know they date.
About decorating, the Parent Guild has invited volunteers to help decorate the Church in anticipation of our first Christmas Concert. The decorating will take place on Saturday, December 7th after the 9:00 Mass (approximately 10:00)
Thank you, Tom
Announcements
As it grows colder, please remember to label all outerwear with your family's name. We will try to go outside barring inclement weather so please make sure to send weather-appropriate clothing with your children each day.
· Choir School Family Exclusive: Concert Tickets
The Admissions office is offering a special promotion to families who reach out and invite families with boys who might be interested in our school to attend the Christmas Concerts on December 8th and 15th. Contact Mr. Moran with the name and contact information for the family and he will send them promotional materials and four complimentary tickets to the Concert also give you four complimentary tickets to use at your discretion. We are also offering parishes that have a CCD program for children preparing for First Communion complimentary tickets (the number of tickets will depend upon the number of students in the class). Simply share the name of the religious education director or First Communion Teacher and you will also receive four complimentary tickets for the referral.