Our Youth

Catholic Students Bring Christmas Cheer

Students from Xaverian, Bay Ridge, came together as a community to welcome local senior citizens for an afternoon of Christmas-themed performances and camaraderie. The first annual Christmas Cafe Cabaret was a huge success due to the time and talents volunteered by students from grades six through 12. Students in the Music at Xaverian (MAX) program’s orchestra ensemble, jazz ensemble and choir performed various pieces and the Xaverian speech and debate team delivered dramatic readings. The Dramatics Society also performed a scene from their production of Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys.”

During intermissions, students served refreshments to the senior citizens at their festively decorated tables. By the end of the event, senior citizens and students a like were busy cutting a rug. Above, Rob Helbock, senior, dances with a local senior citizen. Below, Chan Chen Mei, freshman, serves refreshments to local senior citizens.

The Christ the King community, Middle Village, kicked off the Christmas season at their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. More than 350 people within the community joined in the festivities. Santa was on hand for pictures and families enjoyed an indoor Winter Wonderland filled with games, activities, bouncy castles and hot chocolate. The high school musical theater group was also on hand, singing Christmas carols, along with performances by the high school drum band and choir. Fun was had by all!

Students at Saint Saviour H.S., Park Slope, collected various items such as toys, bedding, baby items and other things for the families from Hour Children, which helps incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their children successfully rejoin the community, reunify with their families and build healthy, independent and secure lives. This is the third year that Saviourites have worked with this charity based out of Queens.

Students from Holy Cross H.S., Flushing, participated in the Bell Boulevard Christmas Parade.