There’s still another week of Advent, but our parishes and greater community are offering some ways to celebrate the Christmas spirit this weekend.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Advent Concert — 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Scottsdale (map)
The music ministry will present a concert of familiar hymns and songs. Here’s a sneak peek from a similar concert held Dec. 12 at the parish’s old Adobe Mission. A reception with cookies and hot chocolate to follow. Info.
‘Light of the World’ concert — 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at St. John XXIII School in Scottsdale (map)
Performed by students. Watch livestream.
Christmas Greccio Event and Holiday Train— 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at St. Maria Goretti Parish in Scottsdale (map)
Be reminded of the sights and smells that surrounded the original Nativity scene in Bethlehem via a petting zoo followed by a 5 p.m. live Nativity and Christmas carols plus a hog dog dinner and play by St. Therese of Lisieux. Info.
When it’s over, head to the Holiday Train at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale (map and info).
Christmas through the Centuries — 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Scottsdale (map).
Tours depart every 15 minutes. Info.
Believe in Christmas — 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Scottsdale (map)
The parish’s music ministry will host a concert featuring more than 100 voices from its various choirs who have mastered music in up to four languages. Also includes refreshments and raffles. Tickets: $5 adults and $1 children with proceeds funding a 2015 Christmas-time trip to Rome. Info.
Mass and Holiday train — 5 p.m. Mass Dec. 13 at a Scottsdale parish followed by the Holiday Train at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale (map)
Attend a Saturday Vigil for the Third Sunday of Advent — surrounding parishes with 5 p.m. Masses include St. Maria Goretti, Franciscan Renewal Center and St. Patrick — then head to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale and Indian Bend roads) to enjoy a train ride through a lit up Christmas village, a carousel ride and a visit with Santa. Info.
Glendale parishes in Hometown Christmas Parade — 11 a.m. Dec. 13 in downtown Glendale (map)
Look for students from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, St. Helen Parish, and possibly other Catholic groups in Glendale’s second Hometown Christmas Parade. Info.
Mass and Glendale Glitters — 5 p.m. English or 7 p.m. Spanish Mass Dec. 13 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Glendale (map) followed by an evening out at Glendale Glitters’ Winter Wonderland. Info.
Christmas light parade featuring Annunciation Catholic School float — 6 p.m. Dec. 13 in Carefree (map)
The Carefree Christmas Festival runs Dec. 12-14 with a light parade Saturday night. Keep eyes peeled for a float from Annunciation Catholic School in Cave Creek. The school has won an award for it in years past. Info on parade and larger Carefree Christmas Festival.
Movie ‘Knight’ — 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 12 at St. Mary’s High School (map)
Sixth-eighth-graders are welcome to spend an evening at the home of the Knights, St. Mary’s High School. The featured presentation is the movie “Elf.” Info.
Preschool open house — 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at Our Lady of Joy Preschool in Carefree (map)
Families seeking the right preschool for their little one are invited to a Gingerbread Open House. Meet the teachers, have some coffee and watch your young gingerbread artists. Bring a friend and you will entered into winning a 7-day Caribbean vacation. Info.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Need a Christmas tree? — Sacred Heart School is hosting a lot through Dec. 14 at Monezuma and Willis in Prescott. Proceeds support the school’s athletes. Info.
Catholic store at Paradise Valley Mall — Check out the related article regarding Vesuvius Press, which sells Catholic books and other gift items including statues, rosaries, coffee and chocolate.
Seasonal CDs — The Marian Shop at St. Francis Xavier Parish (map) just stocked up on newly released CDs by the parish’s music department. Choose from “Church Classics,” “Joy to the World” and “A Christmas Collection” or buy the whole set. Info.
Maury C. Moose and the Forest Noel — Author Adam Baker shared the book with St. John Bosco students this week. It features puns, rhymes and quirky animal characters. Info. Be sure to download the free related coloring book.
Buying a book? — If you plan to buy a book or anything else that Barnes & Noble carries, your purchase can also support the library/media center at St. Mary-Basha School in Chandler. Just use code 11492170 for online purchases or tell the cashier in the store to research the code by school name. Promotion runs through Dec. 18.
Blow out sale — Dec. 12-14 at St. Vincent de Paul’s Bell Road/29th Street thrift store (map)
The store needs to make room for a Palomino children’s Christmas bash and is clearing items up to 60 percent off. Proceeds helps neighbors in the community. See recent items.
The final event isn’t happening this weekend, but the PR for a two-day Christmas Market was too cute not to share.