St. Mary’s purchased a life-size nativity scene last year to be displayed in front of the church for the Advent and Christmas season.  This Christmas is the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene, which was presented by St. Francis of Assisi in a grotto in Greccio, Italy on December 24, 1223.  A wooden sculpture of the baby Jesus was placed in a crib lined with straw, with local residents appearing as the holy family.  The scene was completed by a live ox and donkey.  St. Francis did this to introduce people to the history of our salvation, and the importance of the Incarnation of the Son of God 2,000 years ago.
 
We have just added an angel, which was the only figure missing from our new set.  A number of parishioners have already stepped up to donate towards figures in honor or in memory of a loved one.  If you would like to make a donation towards the remaining statues and the stable, please contact the parish office.  The names of those memorialized will be included on a plaque which will be affixed to the side of the new stable.  The stable is being built by our own facilities crew, and it is an impressive structure to house and protect these precious sculptures. Thank you for your generosity!
 

    Kneeling Angel - $6,500 (already gifted)
   

                                                                    Three Kings - $5,900 each
 







Stable