Families invited to Nativity Blessing

By Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese

28/11/2006

“I pray that the Holy Family may be a means of grace and inspiration for all families, and may they be touched by the gentle love and generosity of the child Jesus.”

The life size Nativity scene will feature the Holy Family – Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus – in a stable with several animals and the Three Wise Men. The scene will be 8m wide and 5m high.

Cardinal Pell said Christmas is always a special time at St Mary’s; events have been prepared to celebrate, starting with Friday evening’s Blessing of the Nativity in the Cathedral forecourt.

“We invite everyone to celebrate Christmas by joining in the many Cathedral festivities,” he said.

• BLESSING OF THE OUTDOOR NATIVITY SCENE
  6.30pm, Friday 1 December – Cathedral Square

Cardinal Pell invites all families to celebrate the key message of Christmas – God’s gift of His Son, Jesus. After the blessing and a hymn by the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir, the Dorothy the Dinosaur Show will be held for children (The Wiggles do not appear in the Dorothy the Dinosaur Show). 

• ADVENT CAROLS – FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
  7.30pm, Sunday 3 December

An evening of readings and music with the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir to mark the first Sunday of Advent and to prepare for Christmas.

• CAROLS WITH THE SONG COMPANY’
  7pm, Thursday 14 December – The Crypt

The most beautiful carols and Christmas songs from around the world, performed by Australia’s own a cappella ensemble, The Song Company. Acclaimed as one of the most outstanding vocal groups in

the world and recognised as ‘peerless’, with a sound and performance style that is ‘pure vocal bliss’. The group presents a special one-off performance in the unique surroundings of the Crypt at St Mary’s Cathedral.

• SACRED VOICES CHRISTMAS SONG CYCLE ’SOUTHERN STAR’
  3.30pm, Sunday 17 December

The young women of the Cathedral Voices and the trebles and two altos from the Cathedral Choir will perform a new work by well-known Jesuit priest and composer, Fr Christopher Willcock. Fr Willcock has collaborated with writer/cartoonist Michael Leunig to produce a set of nine pieces reflecting on the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

• ANNUAL CAROL SERVICE
  7.30pm, Thursday 21 December

The Cathedral’s spectacular and renown Christmas Carols Service and Readings with the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir will be celebrated with Cardinal Pell. This well-loved event will feature a rich selection of traditional carols and liturgical Christmas music.

• THE CHRISTMAS STORY
  Daily in December, 10am – 4pm

A Catholic Students Arts Exhibition (Years 5 & 6) of up to 60 pieces - including the winning artwork - will be displayed in the Cathedral Crypt through the month of December.