Holy Trinity to hold Epiphany Lessons and Carols Jan. 11

By RENEE WEBB
Content and Design Coordinator

Always looking for ways to offer new prayer-filled formation opportunities, Holy Trinity Parish of Webster County will offer Epiphany Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. on Jan. 11.

“The Epiphany Lessons and Carols service will include a series of readings starting with the Nativity of Jesus and concluding with his baptism,” said Father Ross Caniglia, parochial vicar of the parish who will play the piano and direct the adult choir for the service.

He pointed out that between each reading – or lesson – will be a song that reflects on the Scripture passage. In addition to readings and songs, the service will include prayer.

“Some songs will be sung by the choir alone, with other traditional carols being sung by the congregation as well,” the priest explained.

Cheryl Sherry, parish life coordinator, presented the idea of offering an event like this after watching a YouTube video from a Lessons and Carols service from the United Kingdom.

“They are more popular over in England than they are here in the U.S.,” she explained. “These services are really neat – the solemn expression of sacred music within a service outside of a traditional Mass setting.”

While a limited number of parishes in the country – and even a couple in the diocese have held Lessons and Carols - it’s not widely used.

“I just thought it would be really interesting, especially with Father Ross’ (musical) background to do a Lessons and Carols service if he thought it might be a good idea,” said Sherry. “We were looking to do something after Christmas and I said how about the feast of the Epiphany.”

In the end, they opted to focus the program and lessons on the Epiphany and hold the event on the Saturday following the actual feast day to draw greater attendance.

Sherry pointed out that many parishioners will be involved in the service such as 40 members of the adult choir. Jason Swedlund, director of music, will offer some preludes on the organ and Msgr. Kevin McCoy, parish deacons and other church leaders will help facilitate the service.

“The service should be about an hour or so long and following the service we will have refreshments and treats in our narthex to celebrate the Epiphany, which will be fun for kids,” she said. “It’s not just an adult event, it’s a family event.”

When parishes have offered Lessons and Carols, Sherry noted that Christmas themes are more common than the Epiphany.

Fr. Caniglia“It is a reminder to all of us that the Christmas season goes beyond Christmas Day and provides us an opportunity to reflect upon the Christmas season in a cohesive manner,” said Father Caniglia.

The Epiphany celebrates the revelation that Jesus is the son of God not only revealed by the Magi as they visited the Christ child and in Jesus’ baptism in the Jordon but also at the wedding feast of Cana where Jesus began his public ministry with his first miracle in changing water into wine.

“My goal at Holy Trinity is to have formation that involves the arts, our faith and the history of our Catholic faith so that people will learn, be confident and know what a rich history the Catholic Church has,” said Sherry, who added they are going to try to offer more programs that offer a combination of music and formation.

The parish life director said this service is open to parishioners, the community and anyone who would like to attend.

Sherry expects it to be a beautiful service that brings parishioners together for hymns they are familiar with – as well a couple lesser known.

“I love Christmas music and it especially comes alive when sung in a choir,” said Father Caniglia. “We have very talented singers that are able to sing ‘musically’ and allow the Spirit of God to fill our worship space in a special way.”

The Epiphany Lessons and Carols will give most Catholics and non-Catholics a new way to experience the faith and music.

No reservations or tickets are required to attend.

“Hopefully people walk away with an even greater appreciation for music and are able to more deeply reflect on the meaning of Christmas,” said Father Caniglia.

HOME