The Church Decorating Ministry: Celebrating the Beauty of Advent and Christmas

As this month gets underway, we are in the liturgical season of Advent, preparing our hearts for the coming of our Savior. Then, on Christmas, we celebrate His joyous arrival. During Advent and Christmas, our church will be decorated in a way that honors the beauty of these seasons.

Throughout the church, red and gold decorations will adorn the altar, pillars, and pews. This is all thanks to a group of volunteers who give of their time and talent to beautify our churches.

Kathy and Wayne Schultz have helped to decorate St. John for over 20 years. They began in response to an invitation for more help, and have never stopped. Now, their 6-year-old grandson is among the volunteers who join them.

“It’s an inter-generational process,” Kathy says, pointing out that one volunteer is 80 years old. “The men help put the trees up because the stands have to be fastened with power tools. We have girls on ladders trimming trees, and boys hanging garland.”

The team of decorators varies from year to year, and all are encouraged to participate — from young to old. Children and teenagers can help in a variety of ways, including trimming the six Christmas trees that adorn the altar or hanging the red velvet ribbon that runs the length of the pews. Confirmands are especially encouraged to consider helping out as part of their community service.

The six pillars inside the church will be decorated as well — three will be wrapped with red draping, and the other three will each be decorated with a wreath with a flicker hurricane lamp inside.

Right before the first Christmas Eve Mass, volunteers place red poinsettias throughout the church.

At the first Christmas Eve Mass, the priest will place the infant Jesus in the Nativity set that volunteers have set up. Following Communion, Santa Claus will make his way down the aisle bearing a gift to place in front of the manger. He will reverence the altar, before kneeling in front of the manger and delivering the wrapped Christmas package.

“It’s a joy to see the faces of the younger children when Santa appears,” Kathy says.

If you would like to share your gifts of time and talent in order to help make our churches beautiful this Advent and Christmas season, please contact Kathy Schultz at 715-627-7844.

At the first Christmas Eve Mass, following Communion, Santa Claus will make his way down the aisle bearing a gift to place in front of the manger.