It was a festive weekend at Our Lady of Grace/Ave Maria Catholic Academy (AMCA), where Sunday morning presented shoppers with an opportunity to shop close to home at the AMCA Annual Christmas Fair where the school’s fundraising committee held another successful event.
Vendors filled the school’s gymnasium offering a wide variety of children’s clothing, fashion accessories, homemade holiday treats and arts and crafts as well as high-end accessories and jewelry for women.
Later in the evening, parishioners packed the church in anticipation of the annual tree lighting ceremony held in the courtyard of the rectory. Father Rucando led the faithful in a stirring rendition of “Joy to the World,” following a countdown which revealed a beautiful array of lights on dozens of trees and wreaths placed abut the property. Afterwards a reception with hot chocolate, coffee, cake and Christmas cheer was held in the school.
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder stopped by at the AMCA Christmas Fair to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and to congratulate the fundraising committee on their continued success in supporting the school community. Goldfeder is joined by (l to r) Joanne Burridge, Michelle Soriano, committee chair Doreen De Candia and Anne Marie Samaghetti. Patricia Adams/The Forum Newsgroup
Hundreds of parishioners gathered outside the rectory for Christmas caroling and to witness the annual lighting of Christmas trees and wreaths that line the grounds of Our Lady of Grace.
OLG Pastor Fr. Tony Rucando leads the crowd in an uplifting version of Joy To The World.
