A combined choir of 60, including representatives from the children’s choir, presented the annual Lessons and Carols program at St. Mark Church in Vienna Dec. 13.
The choir was directed by Laura Cooman, director of liturgy and music, and accompanied by Mark Brown and Nancy Novelly, former director.
Lessons and Carols date to the late 19th century. The service includes nine Scripture readings and songs. It retells the Fall of Man, beginning with Adam and Eve, the coming of the Messiah, the birth, and the charge to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a song and prayer that aid in the reflection of that reading. The songs included congregational music/Christmas carols, as well as choral works by Vaughan Williams, James Clemens and contemporary composer Carson Cooman. Parishioner Sarah Lundquist sang an exquisite “Ave Maria” by Bach/Gounod.
Following this program, all processed into the narthex for the blessing of the creche by Father Peter Nassetta, pastor. The creche was handmade in Italy and chosen by then pastor, Father Stewart Culkin. The figures are hand carved, and hand painted by artists from the Demetz Art Studio in Val Gardena, Italy.
St. Mark parishioners have enjoyed this creche since 1999. The parish invites all to see the creche and reflect on the meaning of this season.
