Living Nativity evangelizes

By Tanya Connor
The Catholic Free Press

MILLBURY – A COVID-induced change brought children, adults and animals an opportunity to make the Christmas story more real and fun, according to folks who replaced craft fairs with a living Nativity and caroling.
The occasion was the Millbury Chain of Lights, at which businesses and organizations host “stops” where people enjoy holiday activities. St. Brigid and Our Lady of the Assumption parishes have traditionally held craft fairs for it, according to Father Daniel R. Mulcahy Jr., pastor of both parishes. But crafters and crowds bunched together were a concern this year, given the coronavirus.
“We had to reimagine,” and came up with doing something more geared to evangelization – a living Nativity  – said Gregory Bernard, who coordinates faith formation for adolescents and young adults at both parishes. For several years, some time ago, costumed people stood outside St. Brigid’s after Christmas Eve Masses, but those living Nativities drew mostly parishioners, he said.  
This year, during the Chain of Lights on Dec. 5, people dressed as Biblical Christmas characters, and farm animals tended by a 4-H club, gathered on St. Brigid’s lawn. Assumption Elementary School’s choir, directed by music teacher Carol Zabinski, sang Christmas carols. Folks visiting Chain of Lights sites could stop, look and listen.
“This has been pure joy out here,” raved the parishes’ pastoral associate Deborah R. Blicharz, who does children’s faith formation and parish development. “Everyone’s excited to be here. I’ve just seen so many people talking to each other” after virus-induced isolation. “It’s evangelization. And it’s also empowering these kids to understand that they can be leaders in the Church.”
“I enjoyed bringing the 4-H animals to the living Nativity because we were able to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, which is the reason we celebrate Christmas, and visitors were able to enjoy the pets,” commented Anna Wence, 11, a member of The Sutton Preservationists 4-H Club and “the Catholic Parishes of Millbury.”
Present for the living Nativity were a steer, two heifers, two sheep and two donkeys that club members work with. The animals belong to Paul Dunn, owner of Blackstone Meadow Farm in Sutton, who leads the club, said Anna’s mother, Danielle Wence, a parent volunteer. Part of the club’s focus is serving the community, she said. The young people chose to participate in the living Nativity.
“Hi Donkey, I love your ears,” said 96-year-old Sister Jeanne Richard, a long-time fixture at the parishes and school who is now retired, as she petted one of the visiting creatures.
“I can’t get over the preparation … and live animals,” the Sister of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin told The Catholic Free Press. “I’ve never seen this before. When I saw it in the bulletin I said, ‘I’m going to that!’ … I wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world.”
Peggy Cronkhite had her grandson Bobby Cronkhite and great-grandson Bo Chaffee, both 5, there. The boys listened intently as the older children sang and peered through the fence at the costumed children and the animals.
It was good to see the people “light up” at seeing the animals, said Alison Gorman, 16, an Assumption parishioner and 4-H club member who collected donations and gave out gifts for the club.
Her sister, Abigail Gorman, 5, said it was nice to see everybody, and mentioned a friend who came. She said it was good to play an angel beside Baby Jesus. She also walked a sheep and sang with, though not in, the choir.
Their mother, Andrea Gorman, a 4-H club leader, said she thought it was the first time the club has brought animals for a living Nativity, and added, “I look forward to doing it again.”
Her husband, James Gorman, said the Christmas story is one the children hear at Mass, but acting it out makes it real for them.
“My daughter was so excited to be a part of it,” said Donna Layman. Since Mia Layman, 10, wanted to participate, Mom volunteered to help, and “next thing I knew I was Mary.” She wore a blue costume to represent the Blessed Mother. Mia played an angel.
Mr. Bernard said he wants to do the living Nativity instead of craft fairs for the Chain of Lights in the future, perhaps inviting a few vendors whose wares would “fit with what we’re trying to do,” such as those selling religious items.

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