Holy Angels Church will be filled with beautiful Christmas music on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m., with a Lessons and Carols service. The public is cordially invited.

“It will be a nondenominational Christmas service for the community to gather and reflect on central spiritual story of Christmas, as told by nine traditional readings from both Old and New Testaments that are either the prophecies of the Messiah or readings associated with Christ's birth,” explained Nicholas Rocha, the church’s director of music ministry.

“Each reading will be followed with a choral meditation to be performed by our church choir,” he added, “as well as with a traditional carol for the congregation to sing with the choir. Additionally, the social outreach ministry will be conducting a food drive during the event, and the Women's Guild is providing refreshments for everyone following the service's conclusion.”

Shawn DeHart, who handles public relations for Holy Angels Church, is equally excited about this upcoming special service.

“The Parish Choir will present an evening of word and song,” he said. “This special performance will offer an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. In lieu of admission, non-perishable food donations for the less fortunate will be accepted at the doors of the church before the concert.”

Mr. DeHart promises an evening infused with the holiday spirit of Christmas.

“I’m sure everyone who attends will thoroughly enjoy the program. Everyone has worked so hard to insure a successful presentation.”

According to Mr. Rocha, who has served as parish director of music ministry for the past five years, choir members have continued their rehearsals with much enthusiasm.

"Things have been going along well,” he said. “We’re hoping for a good turnout.”

Choir members include Lillian Carriere, Lois Chapman, Barbara Gracie, Maria Carriere, Cathy Alteri, Marie Mascena, Diana Carvalho, David Carriere, Debbie Clancy, Mary Hanshar, and JoAnn Smith.