Preparing for Christmas

Advent is coming to a close tonight.

Last Sunday, we had a beautiful Lessons and Carols service. Lessons and Carols is a service offered shortly before Christmas. It tells salvation history through nine Bible readings that trace the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus. The readings come from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels. The nine readings are interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music. Kairos, a Consort of Singers sings this service for our joy and inspiration every Advent.

Kairos, a Consort of Singers. Edward Lundergan, musical director of Kairos
accompanies the singers on the tambourine (top) and leads them in the carosl (bottom).

The nine readings are made by members of our regional community (neighbors, clergy, members of Kairos and Holy Cross monks).

Readers of the lessons. From left to right;
Top: The Rev. Dustin Trowbridge, from St George Episcopal Church, Newburg, NY, Br. Josép Martinez-Cubero, Dr. Mary Barber; from Newburg, NY; 
Middle: Ms. Laurel Massé, from Esopus, NY Ms. Kathryn Stewart, from New Paltz, NY, The Rev. Matthew Wright; from St Gregory's Episcopal Church, Woodstock; 
Bottom: Br. Bob Pierson, Ms. Amy Pender, from Hopewell Junction, The Rev. Alfred Twyman, Chaplain, NYS Department of Corrections, from Poughkeepsie, NY

This service is very popular and well attended. We estimate that about 150 people participate in it. Each year we collect freewill offerings that the monastery match to then give away to regional food ministries. This year, we will distribute $2500 to three food pantries and the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. Thank you to all the readers and singers and to our many visitors.

From top, clockwise, all of Kairos, participants in the service,
monks and attendees waiting in anticipation as befits Advent.

In the singing department, five monks are rehearsing to form a little schola to sing at Christmas Eve Vespers and at Christmas Day Mass. This year's program features a lovely Spanish carol that exercises our language skills.

From left, clockwise, while guests enjoy a game of cards,
monks rehearse music in the choirmaster's (Br. Josép) office.

 Many guests have arrived early to enjoy Christmas at the monastery. More are arriving through the weekend.

From top, clockwise, me with frequent visitor and library volunteer, Felicity Pickup from Toronto,
Father and son, The Rev. Chris Lawrence and Kirin: frequent visitor Geoffrey Ream from New York, NY,
and his friend Daniel Nieciecki from New York, NY on his first-time visit.
Friends tell friends about Holy Cross Monastery

From top, closckwise, Neighbor John Roberto from Highland, NY,
treats himself to a day visit to the monastery, Sr. Anitra, SSJD, from Toronto,
frequent visitor, Patty Jones from New York, NY and Associate Pat Moore
from Hempstead, NY, enjoying a relaxing time in Pilgrim Hall.

We look forward to celebrating Christmas with our guests. May you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas!