St. Mary held its own version of a Rockefeller Square Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 26th outside the school. Roughly 500 people attended the mini festival, which included a tree lighting ceremony, live student nativity scene, choir performances, food trucks, and madrigal singers from Lincoln-Way East High School.
Also in attendance were Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and their elves, who all posed for photos with ecstatic children. Outside, a children’s train cruised around the parking lot ready to pick up its excited passengers.
Families were able to warm up with some hot cocoa and cookies as they listened to the St. Mary Children’s Choir and Lincoln-Way East Madrigal singers. They could also decorate and take home their very own Advent wreath, just in time for the season. Finally, the event provided an opportunity for attendees to donate coats, hats, mittens, scarves, and gloves to those in need.
The family-focused event was organized by St. Mary School and the Religious Education Department. “We hope that the St. Mary Tree Lighting Ceremony brought a sense of community for our parish families,” says Tami Brongiel, Director of Religious Education at St. Mary Mokena.
“I would like to thank Fr. Dindo and Fr. Sam, the St. Mary School PTC, the Religious Education Board events coordinator, Sacred Music, CCW, Christian Service, teens for volunteering and St. Mary Parish families for all coming together to celebrate the beginning of Advent as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus,” she adds.
The St. Mary School Christmas Tree lights can now be admired every night through the Christmas season.
The Mokena Marian 