Sacred Heart Church To Present Festival Of Lessons And Carols

SOUTHBURY — The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be celebrated at 3 pm on Sunday, December 12, at Sacred Heart Church.

A century-old tradition established at Kings College in Cambridge, England, the Festival of Lessons and Carols is performed there and throughout the world every Christmas Eve and is broadcast to millions of listeners.

The program at Sacred Heart Church invites those gathered to listen to nine lessons, each followed by carols sung by the Sacred Heart Adult Choir, the Sacred Heart Youth Choir, and the community. The nine readings are from the Old Testament the Bible, all related to Advent and the birth of Christ. The Carols that follow each reading contain text related to the reading. During the carols, a variety of candles are lit and remain burning throughout the service. This year, “Festival of Carols” by Joseph M. Martin is being featured, in addition to pieces by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays has already begun. Hearing and participating in the Lessons and Carols is a perfect way to step back and reflect on the real meaning of the Christmas season. There has been a wonderful response to this event in the past years and Sacred Heart Church is again providing an opportunity to participate in this inspirational program.

The service is open to the public and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served following the program.

There is no charge for admission, but there will be a freewill offering, with all proceeds donated to a local charity.

The church is at the corner of Main Street South and Route 172. For additional information contact Phyllis Moll, 203-264-4589.