ATLANTIC CITY – Those journeying along Atlantic Avenue the third week of Advent were met with a familiar scene – though one may not expect on a Saturday morning.
For there, in front of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, were camels, sheep, goats, a cow and more joining Catholic school students for a live Nativity and Christmas concert.
“As Pope Francis says, go out and share what we received from God,” said Father Kevin Mohan, pastor of the Parish of Saint Monica, which organized the daylong, faith-filled celebration Dec. 16.
PHOTO GALLERY: Caroling, Live Nativity by Our Lady Star of the Sea students
Youngsters from Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional School kicked off the day singing “Frosty the Snowman” and Christmas carols from the church’s steps as visitors settled into lawn chairs, sipped hot chocolate and ate cookies. They then led a retelling of the Nativity story, in English and Spanish.
“This year’s [celebration] is more than just a showcase of holiday cheer; it’s a reflection of the diversity, talent and camaraderie that defines our extraordinary school community,” said Ramona Bregatta, school principal. “From these heartwarming performances to the array of festive activities, we are embracing the magic of the season with open hearts and open arms.”
In addition to the animals, courtesy of Barnyard Friends petting farm, Mays Landing, other festive activities included a Secret Santa and makeshift toy shop. Held in the school’s cafeteria, both invited the city’s children to pick out a gift for their parents – complete with wrapping and card-making – as well as choose a gift for themselves.
Decked out in a Santa hat and jingle bell necklace, eighth-grader Meckhalia Hastings smiled as she prepared to help the city’s children with their toys.
“I like helping and giving back to the community,” she said. “It’s a good feeling seeing the children happy, after getting gifts for their parents.”
This was the second year she has participated in the event. “I’ve learned from my time at Our Lady Star of the Sea that it’s good to help people,” she said.
As his nine-year old twin daughters, Ashley and Olivia, stood mesmerized by the animals, parishioner Nam Hoang said it’s events like the live Nativity that are so crucial for his daughters in understanding what Jesus’ Birth represents, and the hope, joy, love and peace that He offers.
“I want them to feel the spirit and know what Christmas means,” he said.
That, too, has been a driving force for Margaret Steadman, volunteer coordinator for the parish’s Christmas Ministry, who recalled how the former pastor of Atlantic City’s Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Msgr. William Hodge, began a Christmas initiative that gave bikes and toys to the city’s children.
With the merging of Saint Nicholas, Our Lady Star of the Sea and Saint Michael in 2015 into what is now the Parish of Saint Monica, the effort has “grown to be a parish-wide mission, with over 40 volunteers. We’ve prepared for this all year,” Steadman said.
All told, an estimated 350 children and their families passed through the school, she said, finding toys and cheer.
Father Mohan noted that whether through their voices, narration, Nativity performance or acting as a “gift consultant” to younger children, the school’s students received “the opportunity to put their faith into action and experience how it feels to be of service, helping and welcoming others.”
He said he hopes that all who visited the parish and school community encountered the presence of Christ. “More than just a toy in their hand, I hope they had the experience of being loved and welcomed with kindness, openness and generosity.”
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