Need a little boost to get into the Christmas spirit this year? You can open your heart to the season at several free campus events, highlighted by the annual Greccio re-enactment on Sunday, December 4.
The university’s live nativity is scheduled for this Sunday at 6:15 p.m. on the lawn of the Mirenda Center. Students, faculty, and staff will re-enact the Franciscan tradition of the crib, performing the live nativity scene and the scripture narration.
St. Francis of Assisi created the first live nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. Now a traditional element of Christmas festivities around the world, the ritual has been celebrated ever since.
Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel, and from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., free hot chocolate and a petting zoo of manger animals will be on site for the young and the young at heart. After the re-enactment, all are welcome to meet Santa and enjoy refreshments.
Concerts and Celebration of Lights
On Thursday, December 1, at 7 p.m., the Neumann University Jazz Band presents its annual fall semester concert with a characteristic mix of pop, rock, and jazz tunes, including a few in anticipation of the Christmas season. The performance, scheduled for the Meagher Theatre, is directed by Dr. Richard Sayers.
The Neumann University Concert Chorale will also capture the spirit of the season on Friday, December 2, by performing vocal musical selections, including traditional and contemporary holiday favorites. Songs on the program include Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Angels We Have Heard on High, Joy to the World, and other familiar tunes.
Entitled “The Joy of Christmas,” the concert starts at 8 p.m. in the university’s Meagher Theatre. The chorale, which includes community members and Neumann students, is led by Dr. Yukiko Ishida.
On Monday, December 5, the DEI Council is hosting a Celebration of Lights, a recognition of Neumann’s diverse community in music, song, cuisine, and storytelling. Students, faculty, and staff will share experiences that reflect their cultural heritage in the Student Multipurpose Hall from 5-7 p.m.