Celebrations of the season
Nov. 17-Jan. 6, 2019: City of Natchitoches 92nd Christmas Festival of Lights
Over 300,000 Christmas lights and 100 lighted set pieces illuminate downtown Natchitoches and Cane River Lake every evening at dusk through January 6, 2019. All Christmas events take place in Downtown Natchitoches along the banks of Cane River Lake and the Historic District. Visit www.natchitocheschristmas.com for a complete schedule of dates, times, and events.
Dec. 11: Advent Reflection, Mary, Mother of Jesus, Woodworth
“And the Word Became Flesh” Advent reflection will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m., with a program of speaking, music, and prayer to help us dive deeper into the mystery of the Incarnation: Christ Becoming Man. There is no charge, and everyone is invited. Books and other resources will be available for purchase before and after the event, presented by Dumb Ox Ministries. For more information, contact Cindy Sayes at 318-446-2893.
Dec. 11: Join the Red River Chorale for their annual holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. This concert features choral selections accompanied by string ensemble and organ as well as unaccompanied pieces, all to prepare us for the Christmas season. Visit redriverchorale.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
Dec. 12: Children’s CCD Nativity Program, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria
The church’s annual nativity program for CCD students and parents will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Church. Call 318-445-9748, ext. 216 for more information.
Dec. 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission Church in Forest Hill, will celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe feast day with 5:00 p.m. Mass at the church in Forest Hill. A dance and dinner will be held afterwards at St. Martin Church in Lecompte. There will be much traditional/indigenous food, music, and dancing throughout the night. There will not be a procession this year.
Dec. 13: Advent Reflection, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria
Father Derek Ducote will present on “The Three Comings of Christ in Advent: His Birth, His Return, and Within You Now.” Live music by Grae McCullough and Kelly Pease Lombardi. Door Prizes will be given and there will be a special gift for the 50th person who walks through the front door of the Church. Childcare is available; please email olpschildcare@gmail.com with the event name and ages of children.
Dec. 13: St. Kateri Circle Christmas Party
The local Heart of St. Kateri Circle will host their annual Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tekakwitha National Conference Office at 2225 N. Bolton Ave. in Alexandria. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a gift exchange game for those who wish to participate. It’s a good time for fellowship, fun, and food. No RSVP is required, but a small snack/dish for the group is welcomed. All are welcome to attend this “come and see” to learn what the Tekakwitha Conference and St. Kateri Circle is all about. For more information, call 318-483-3908.
Dec. 16: Advent Bible Study, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria
This study will be held in the Madonna Room with two sessions on each day to choose from (8:00-8:45 a.m. or 7:00-7:45 p.m.). For more information, contact Renee Aldridge at 318-445-9748, ext. 216 orrenee.aldridge@olpschurch.org.
Dec. 19: Eucharistic Adoration and Penance Service, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria
At 6:30 p.m., guest speaker Paul Hood will present “The Invitational Life.” Confessions will begin at 7:00 p.m., with soft praise and worship music offered during adoration and confessions. Childcare is available. Please email olpschildcare@gmail.com with the event name and ages of children. For more information, please call the church office at 318-445-3693.
Dec. 16: The St. Cecilia Chorale of Avoyelles will present its Christmas Cantata
at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Hessmer. The performance begins at 3:00 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Donations are gladly accepted.
Dec. 20: “Angels Sing” Christmas Production, Marksville
Join Sacred Heart School in Moreauville at the Earl Barbry Convention Center in Marksville at 6:00 p.m. for this year’s production of “Angels Sing.” The entire school will present angelic, inspirational music set to a beautiful background of angels and the blessed manger. The 8th grade students will depict the various characters in The Nativity Story journeying to Behlehem to witness the newborn child with His parents, Mary and Joseph. The remaining students will sing and perform routines to embellish the production. All are invited to attend. The show will be directed by Mrs. Karen Moreau, Development, Stewardship, and Events Coordinator, and co-directed by Mrs. Carmen Necaise, SHS Art Teacher. Monetary donations will be accepted at the door. For more information, contract Karen Moreau at 318-359-1943 or karen.moreau@shsmoreauville.com.
Dec. 20: St. Anthony of Padua School Christmas Program
St. Anthony of Padua School in Bunkie will be presenting their Christmas Play entitled “The Mystery of Simon Shepherd” on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. in the St. Anthony School gymnasium. Tickets are available at the school office before the event. For more information contact the St. Anthony School office at (318) 346-2739.
