An Advent service took place Dec. 15 at Saint Viator High School that was a first. Not only did it feature a traditional rendition of Lessons & Carols, complete with the full choir from Our Lady Hope Church, but a highlight came near the end. That’s when Choir Director Connor Ford amplified the percussion and performed a hard shoe routine — taken right out of Irish step dancing — to the carol, I Saw Three Ships.
Choir Director Connor Ford performs his hard shoe routine,
“Wow,” said Fr. John Van Wiel. “I didn’t think it was possible to kick your leg that high!”
Lessons & Carols dates back to 1918, when it was first performed Chapel at King’s College in Cambridge, England. While it continues to be a popular Advent tradition in the Anglican Church, the music and nine gospel readings are featured more in Catholic churches as well.
The Arlington Heights regional team of Associates John Dussman, Barbara D’Urso, Christine Gucwa and Fr. Dan Hall introduced the idea of featuring Lessons & Carols and it was well received. The gathering also included the recommitment of Associate Jason Kuffel for three years.
“I believe that as a Viatorian associate, I can celebrate God’s presence in my life,” Jason said, “and call one another to respond more deeply to God’s will.”
Associate Jason Kuffel with Fr. Mark Francis and Fr. Dan Hall
Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial captured the sentiments of those in attendance, who were exhilarated at the end of the service: “I want to sincerely thank you for helping us prepare for Christmas in such a marvelous fashion,” Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, told the choir.
In the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region, Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, and members of the regional planning team — including Associates Susan Surprenant, Michelle Barrie and Paula Wasser.– planned a traditional Advent service, that also featured Br. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, singing and playing his guitar.
The chance to gather with a small faith community during Advent also drew the region’s pre-associates, Mileen and Jimmy Joines, and Sue and Scott Goselin, all of Bourbonnais.
Associates Ken and Michelle Barrie, Bishop Chris Glancy and Pre-Associates Sue and Scot Goselin
Viatorians and associates gather regularly in their respective regions, for prayer, faith sharing, ministerial enrichment and celebration. They are equal partners of the Viatorian Community, whose core mission is to “raise up communities where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated.”
Fr. John Peeters with Associate Dave Surprenant
Associate Susan Bourgeois with Fr. Pat Render