COLLINGSWOOD –The glow of the season shone brightly the evening of Dec. 5 as Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish held its annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Saint John Church.
The festivities began with an Advent reflection from Father Steven Bertonazzi, parish pastor, who explained that the Christmas lights recall “the light of the world, Jesus Christ, who comes to enlighten the dark places of our minds and hearts – where the darkness of sin clouds us, where the darkness of suffering and death comes to try to take away our joy – to give us hope in Him.”
Next, the Camden Catholic High School student choir, led by director Carleen Baron, sang traditional carols such as “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World,” encouraging the participants of all ages to join in.
Later, the gathered, sipping hot chocolate to ward off the cold, stood outside the church next to the Christmas tree in darkness, as Father Bertonazzi prayed.
“May this tree, arrayed in splendor, remind us of the life-giving cross of Christ, that we may always rejoice in the new life that shines in our hearts,” he said.
With these words, the lights were turned on, bringing with it cheers and the singing of “Silent Night.”
The parish’s tree also serves as a sign of community support. Faithful were invited to put handwritten intentions in plastic ball ornaments and place them on the tree, to be remembered and prayed for by the parish faithful in the coming weeks and months.
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