Weekly Update
December 9, 2019
This weekend I attended the funeral of the father of Paul Haley, Chair of our Advisory Board. Paul gave a touching eulogy of his father, Bob, who lived an extraordinary life of faith and service. Bob served in the United States Navy during WWII and was one of a three man crew to volunteer on an LCVP on Omaha Beach in the Normandy invasion. His boat was destroyed during the landing. He survived and went on to serve in the South Pacific as well. Reflecting upon these and other acts of valor, Paul remarked that his father’s greatest love was for his wife of seventy years and his family. I was struck by the virtuous life Bob lived with such devotion to God and family. Here at Saint Paul’s Choir School we see it as our mission to help young men become men of virtue, who like Bob, lead with the right priorities in mind. We encourage our boys to use the time of Advent with great anticipation not only for the wonderful expressions of joy and love that come in the form of presents, but also with great anticipation for quality time with their families and loved ones. At school we will do our best to frequently remind them of the virtues of faith and service to others as the best way to show joy and love. We ask all to remember Paul and his wonderful family in their prayers.
Charity Concerts – Dec. 10th and 18th: The choir will perform at two charity concerts over the next couple of weeks to model our commitment of service to others. On December 10th the choir will travel to Regina Cleri, the retirement home for priests in the Archdiocese of Boston. This annual tradition is a wonderful way for our boys to show respect for the lives of service priest have given over the years. Then on December 18th we will sing carols at the third of three luncheons that are put on by the Parish to benefit homeless folks. The meals are held in Digiovanni Hall, so we do not have far to travel. The boys are always very well received by this wonderfully grateful crowd.
Christmas Concerts tickets are on sale through Dianne Flaherty in the office and online on our events page: https://www.saintpaulschoirschool.us/events
Family Christmas Concert: On Wednesday, December 18, at 5:30 we will have our traditional family Christmas concert during which all 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 after school and on Saturdays.
Many thanks to the parents who helped us to launch our Christmas Bazaar fund raiser 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.
Many thanks as well to Nicolette Ehrhardt for the amazing efforts put forth to help coordinate our communications with sponsors, cathedrals, lodging and all the other venues where the boys will either visit, sleep, eat or perform. We are all very excited about the very packed agenda we have set and look forward to our February departure.
Thank you, Tom