Sunday, December 18, 2011

A day off

     I took yesterday off - sort of.  There has been a tradition here at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton that on the Saturday before Christmas we arrange a bus trip to Pittsburgh for a show and dinner to celebrate the holidays.  Yesterday we took two motor coaches to Heinz Hall to see Marvin Hamlisch direct the renown Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in Holiday Pops.  Marvin Hamlisch is the Principal Pops Conductor.  The Orchestra was joined by the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh as well as eight Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School members, vocalists Jodi Benson, who among other accomplishments is the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid; Gary Mauer, who has been the Phantom on Broadway; and featuring local Pittsburgh native and Detective for the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Ricky Manning, who dedicated his performance to men and women in uniform.  And most importantly, the big guy himself - Santa.  It was a great show of Christmas and holiday music, and the audience was very appreciative.  In addition to those in our group, I saw a few other people that I knew.

     Following the matinee, we travelled to Mount Washington (overlooking the city) for dinner at The Lamont Restaurant for an evening of fine dining with probably one of the greatest views around, that of the City of Pittsburgh and the Three Rivers at the Point bedecked with Christmas lights.  We had a great dinner, served by the staff with efficiency and graciousness, despite the fact that we were a "bus tour" on a Saturday night before Christmas.

     Before leaving for home we drove past the Pittsburgh Creche in the city, an exact replica of the creche in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.  It is beautiful.  Then our driver dealt with suddenly icy roads (black ice) as we passed many accidents.  But we got home safe and all had a great time.  I am most grateful to Father James Bump, one of our fine retired guys, for filling in and leading our community in prayer.

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     Today so far we celebrated the 8:30 and 11:00 Masses, with the Adult Choir at the first and the Young Voices Choir at 11.  They followed with a little celebration ... and another group came to begin decorating the church with trees and lights and wreaths - part one of our decorations.  Tonight we have "Light Up Night" at the Church for the outside lights and creche scene, preceded by an Advent Presentation by the Young Voices Choir and children from the parish, followed by food and a visit from "the big guy" in red.  I'll miss Santa, for I'll be heading to a Regional Penance Service in a neighboring parish.  It is good to be busy!      'Tis the season.

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