Choir Members Spread Cheer at Nursing Home
Posted on 12/18/2019
Once again, that time of year is upon us. The time when people shop for others, place gifts under the tree, go to “Ugly Sweater” parties and are seemingly caroling wherever they go. Most importantly, however, it is a time when families get together and the spirit of Christmas takes its place in each of us. At St. Thomas Aquinas High School, this is especially true, as we spend the entire Advent/Christmas season sharing that feeling with not just the STA family, but the surrounding community as a whole.

On Wednesday December 18, Music Director Mr. Joseph Cullinan ’02 and 40 members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Chorus along with five members of CSAC, Campus Minister Sister Cynthia, and Assistant Campus Minister, Mr. John Roche ’06 travelled to Immaculate Conception Convent in Lodi, NJ.  The sisters who are a part of the Care Center are considered STA’s Adopted Sisters!  Each month members of the STA Christian Social Action write cards to the Sisters and it has become a tradition that we make a personal visit to them for Christmas.  The group always brings a gift bag of Christmas cards for each Sister and presents each one with a poinsettia flower for their room.  The cards are written by every STA Religion class and members of the Christian Social Action Club. Sister Donna Marie, principal, provided for a pizza treat for the sisters.

In the third floor conference room, the St. Thomas Aquinas Chorus provided outstanding entertainment for the sisters present.  The singing of Christmas carols and the ever popular “We Days of Christmas” with actions performed by all brought joy to everyone in the room. All present had a smile on their face and sounds of laughter could be heard throughout the room.  The carolers traveled to the fourth floor to bring the sound of Christmas to the sisters who live there.

The STA students joined the sisters in the chapel for the daily liturgy.  This Eucharistic celebration was enhanced by the singing of the STA chorus.  It was truly a joyous celebration of love.

The best part of this traditional visit always is spending time visiting with the sisters. It was a special visit for all of us – Sisters, students, and faculty.  Although we brought gifts for the sisters, the gifts of the heart that the Sisters at Immaculate Conception Convent gave to each of us can never be measured with money.  These “special gifts” of presence, sharing, praying, hugging, laughing, and singing will forever be a part of the St. Thomas Aquinas Chorus’ Christmas memories!

Our visit with the Sisters was the Best Christmas Gift that we could give and receive!