With the start of Advent on Dec. 1, and Christmas soon to follow, the Diocese of Camden’s parishes are preparing with music to reflect on the return of Christ and proclaim the miracle of His Birth.
“By bringing our audience closer to Christ, they will find His peace,” says Yuko Unehara, music and liturgy minister at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel in Hammonton.
The parish is planning a concert Dec. 13 that will not only feature the Freedom Brass – performing classical, religious and contemporary music – but the community’s varied cultures and generations as well. The parish’s Spanish, English and children’s choirs will sing carols known in Spanish- and English-speaking households, as well as Italian.
In organizing the event, Unehara couldn’t help but think back on her youth, growing up in Japan and singing Advent and Christmas songs at her music school. She said she believes those experiences sharing the light of Christ helped with her journey and conversion to the Catholic faith in 2018.
“I realized how God worked in my life through those songs,” she said. “I hope that when individuals see this concert, they’ll have a similar transformational experience.”
Glassboro, too, will see a mix of ages come together in song. On Dec. 8, Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish will hold its concert, “The Light of the World,” at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The parish youth, contemporary and adult choirs, along with singers from the Glassboro High School select choir, will perform a mix of contemporary and classic songs.
“Hearts [will] soar together in one voice to the Lord,” explained Cathy Sonnenberg, the parish’s music director. “Music is the perfect vehicle that brings us together. Music is what our emotions sound like, and this is what we give upward to God, all of our being and our love for Him.
“Being in church, hearing spiritual and uplifting music, feeds our souls. How can we not feel the presence of the Savior?”
Saint Stephen Parish in Pennsauken is hoping those of all ages will attend its family-oriented evening Dec. 6. Now in its 10th year, the evening includes familiar religious songs and family favorites, a parish fundraiser, refreshments and more.
“These hymns will connect them to what the season means to us, as we prepare a place in our hearts for Christ,” said Nancy Werner Kaiser, the parish’s music director.
And for those wishing to ring in the Advent and Christmas seasons in a different way, the Parish of Saint Monica in Atlantic City will be hosting the Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble on Dec. 7.
If You Go
• Dec. 6: A family-oriented evening of music, Santa and more, Saint Stephen Church, 6306 Browning Road, Pennsauken. 7 p.m. For more information, call 856-662-9338.
• Dec. 7: Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, the Parish of Saint Monica, 1409 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City. 5-6:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit church restorations.
• Dec. 8: Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish’s concert, “The Light of the World,” at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 500 Greentree Road, Glassboro. 3 p.m. Call 609-881-0909.
• Dec. 13: Concert at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish, featuring the Freedom Brass, at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 285 Route 206, Hammonton. 6:30 p.m. Call 609-704-5945.
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