|
Monsignor Clarke School Presents Drive-Thru Living Nativity: A Radiant Beacon of Advent Spirit
| |
|
We did it! We are thrilled to announce the resounding success of our inaugural drive-thru living nativity event! Our heartfelt thanks go out to the numerous MCS families who participated on Thursday, and to all those who contributed to enhancing the experience for Saturday's event.
Your efforts, particularly in amplifying our lighting, significantly enriched the event, making Saturday's showcase even more spectacular!"
Read more about this remarkable event below!
| |
|
In a departure from tradition, Monsignor Clarke School substituted its annual bazaar with a unique and immersive experience: a Drive-Thru Living Nativity. This innovative event aligned seamlessly with the school's mission, providing the community with a meaningful and spiritually uplifting experience.
The enchanting experience unfolds as attendees drive through a carefully crafted depiction of the Nativity story, brought to life by the efforts of the school's Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and dedicated student and parent volunteers. Visitors received a link to listen to the pre recorded narrated story. This recording was produced by Ron Cowie, Oyster Farm Production and features celebrity narration by WPRI Channel 12 anchor, Shannon Hegy along with the students of Monsignor Clarke School.
| |
"The decision to replace our annual bazaar with a Drive-Thru Living Nativity was driven by a desire to create a community-wide event that closely aligns with our school's mission. We believe this innovative approach will provided a more immersive and spiritually enriching experience for our community," says Dr. Arthur Lisi, Principal at Monsignor Clarke School. | | |
|
Live animals among the shepherds - Thank you to the LaPrise family for sharing their animals and helping to create an authentic scene for the event. | |
|
In addition to the beautiful nativity scenes sponsored by each of the local Catholic Parishes and live animals that bring the story to life, the Drive-Thru Living Nativity was adorned with sponsored Christmas trees. Families and local businesses have generously sponsored these trees, purchaed at Highland Farm, contributing to the festive ambiance of the event. Each tree was creatively decorated, adding a touch of magic to the celebration.
Following the event, these sponsored Christmas trees and decorations were carefully boxed up and delivered to local Wakefield resident, Wendi Knowles. Ms. Knowles, known for her annual collection to support families in need, will distribute the trees and decorations to bring joy and warmth to households during the holiday season.
| |
|
"This reflects the heart of our school's core value of service. By involving our community in sponsoring and decorating Christmas trees, and then extending the joy to those in need, we are actively living out the spirit of Christmas and making a positive impact on the lives of others," says Sara Marshall, Director of Admissions & Development at Monsignor Clarke School.
The collaborative efforts between the school and its sponsors underscore the importance of community engagement and shared values. Together, they created an event that not only celebrates the season but also reinforces the strong sense of togetherness that defines the Monsignor Clarke School community.
Monsignor Clarke School invited the entire community to join in the Drive-Thru Living Nativity event to experience the magic made possible by the generous support of Beltone New England, Knights of Columbus, and the local parishes. The school held a family night on Thursday and was opened to the public this past Saturday. Between the two nights, approximately 188 cars came through the campus. The school would like to thank those who supported this event that they hope offered a beacon of light, and a reminder of the timeless messages of love, hope, and faith that the Christmas season embodies.
| |
Thank you to our sponsors | |
Thank you to the Knights of Columbus Pope Pius XII Council 5295 for help on both Thursday and Saturday with traffic and safety. Below is John Mullholland (MCS Class 1976) and KOC member who was thrilled to be back for this event. He is pictured here with Henry Whittier (6th) who spent many hours helping to set up and clean up. | |
|
Oyster Farm Productions - Alum Parents Ron Cowie and Music by Eden Casteel Music
Shannon Hegy - MCS parent and News anchor WPRI Channel 12
Elizabeth Wessman & Kent Dresser - script production
Maddie Brooks (MCS Alum) - student direction
| |
|
Jack Ball - Inn Keeper 3
Thomas Ball - Wise Man
Maggie Bernaba - Angel w/ shepherds
Jake Daigle - Narrator
Addison Elliot - Inn Keeper
Michael Interlini - Wise Man
Gus Lewis - Angel Gabriel
John Loontjens - Joseph
| |
|
Jenna McCormack - Narrator
Addie McLaughlin - Narrator
Niya Murzi - Inn Keeper
Kathy Signati- Wise Woman
Amelia Smith - Narrator
Gabe Smith - Narrator
Deliliah Vogt - Mary
Lilly Whittier - Narrator
| |
|
Mr. Patrick Bell as St. Nicholas
Matthew Bernaba
Maggie Bernaba
Michael Bernaba
Grace Conrad
Joey Conrad
Matthew Coogan
Jack Cornwell
Kasey Cox
Charlotte Crupe
Teaken Dresser
Finn Dresser
Ashely Foley
Jenna McCormack
Mary Guidera
Emelia Hutchison
Teagan Johnson
| |
|
Brooke McCaffrey
Addie McLaughlin
Connor McLaughlin
Penelope Peralta
Jade Reilly
Vivian Sabo
Robert Sama
Jeffrey Sama
Elanor Speredelozzi
Angelina Viola
Jewel Warren
Pearl Warren
Amanda Wessman
Ashlynn White
Henry Whittier
Lilly Whittier
Finn Whittier
| | |
|
|
Special thanks to the MCS PTO Board for bringing their vision to life, Ms. Maddie Brooks for directing the student narrative recording and leading silent actors during the production, Mrs. Shannon Hegy, Channel 12 News Anchor for her narration expertise, Ron Cowie for his expertise in producing the outstanding recording, Mr. JP for helping with set design and lighting on Saturday, Ms. Lana Gunn, MCS art teacher for her expert design of the sets, Mr. Derek Wessman for leading set design and building, Mrs. Tonya Lesnik for leading and creating amazing costumes, The LaPrise family for providing live animals, Julie Johnson and her team for creating thoughtful snacks, Mrs. Jessica Bendel for her decorative vision, Mrs. Buff Wessman our Campus minister and Kent Dresser our PTO President for countless hours spent on campus preparing for this production and Knights of Columbus Pope Pius XII Council 5295 for helping to direct traffic and supporting the vision to Keep Christ in Christmas.
| |
|
Set Construction & Design
Derek Wessman - Team Lead
Lana Gunn
Dune Beebe
Palmer Beebe
Mary Clarity
Jake Daigle
Diana McLaughlin
Steve McLaughlin
Addie McLaughlin
Anne Sleeman
Amanda Wessman
Collin Wessman
Frank Whittier
Lily Whittier
JP Ferragamo
Madison Brooks
Scene Managers
Maddie Brooks - Team Lead
Meaghan Dresser
Angelica Hutchison
Sue Whaley
Jacqui Muller
Carleen McCoy
Live Animal Management
Tiana, Matt & Lillian LaPrise
Michele Cornwell
Ticketing/Registration
Kent Dresser - Team Lead
Jeff Spear - Team Lead
Kay O'Neill
Kristen Vivier
Sponsorship & Marketing
Sara Marshall - Team Lead
Lisa Stanelun - Team Lead
Karishma Atkisson
Danielle Karsch
Shannon Dowling
Additional Roles
Gabe Barbato - Photography
Mark Murphy - Photography
Basketball Parents (home team and visiting!), Students & Alum who helped with moving sets & placement on Saturday.
Familles who donated items for the event
| |
|
Decoration Crew
Jessica Bendel - Team Lead
Mary Clarity - Team Lead
Emily Cooper
Maryellen Cooper
Meaghan Dresser
Isa Xiarhos
Henry Whittier
Teaken Dresser
Finn Dresser
Violet Bendel
Harper Bendel
Quinn Bendel
Snack Crew
Julie Johnson - Team Lead
Stephanie Bernaba
Catherine & Tim Conrad
Elias George
Rebecca Fasula
Carleen McCoy
Rachel Guidera
Costumes
Tonya Lesnik - Team Lead
Kay O'Neill
Security & Traffic
Kent Dresser- Team Lead
Sam Alba
Monica Mabe
Carl Reynolds
Matt Ricci
Mr. V
Knights of Columbus
Kay O'Neill
Program Design & Printing
Tricia Daigle
Judy Russell
Michael Barrett
Clean Up Crew / Tree Distribution
Milan & Taylor Adams - Tree Delivery
Michele Cornwell
Kent Dresser
Frank Whittier
Henry Whittier
Collin Wessman
Countless Volunteers who were on site Thursday and Saturday to help.
| |
|
We extend our deepest gratitude to each of the following teachers and staff. We could not have done it without you!
- Dr. Lisi: For bravely enduring the chilly evenings and, most importantly, for having the courage to trust us to embark on this new and exciting journey.
- Mr. V: For expertly managing traffic and ensuring safety at Shaw's on Thursday.
- Donna Manning: For her dedication in managing numerous Amazon orders and skillfully supporting all teams with necessary supplies.
- Mary Ricci: For her meticulous assistance with the program and tirelessly addressing various PTO requirements.
- Sara Marshall: For dedicating countless hours in collaboration with the PTO to bring this vision to life.
- Mrs. Wessman: For her immeasurable time and prayers, contributing significantly to the PTO's efforts in realizing this dream.
- Mr. Z: For sharing his invaluable knowledge, assistance, trust, and especially for guiding us in safety matters.
- Mr. Bell: For embodying St. Nicholas with grace and joy on both nights!
- Carleen McCoy, Sue Whaley, Jacqui Muller, Kim Kramer: For their exceptional performances as actors and their invaluable management of various actors and scenes.
- Carolyn Wood, Maryellen Brown, Cherie Darsch: For efficiently handling registration duties at Shaw's.
- Lana Gunn, Diana McLaughlin: For their creative genius in set design, bringing our nativity scene to vivid life.
- All the classroom teachers who helped lead students in crafting ornaments for our sponsor Christmas trees.
| |
Principal, Dr. Lisi as a Roman soldier both nights greeted people who arrived on campus. | |
Did you loan us anything?
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the families that donated decorations for our Nativity. If you let us borrow anything.....extension cords, decorations, etc. please see below:
Exterior decorations have been left outside the back door of the cafeteria on a bench. Pick up your decorations, and or extension cords on your way through after drop off.
Interior decorations that were lent have been left in the conference room. Stop and pick them up by the end of the week.
All decorations left by Saturday will assume to have been donated and we will use them. If you are missing something, please send an email identifying what item is missing to Kent Dresser.
| | | | | |
