More than just a Christmas tree lit up at St. Finbar’s

Back in 2000, the former pastor of St. Finbar’s Church in BathBeach, Reverend Joseph Holcomb, planted a tree to honor the memoryof his father, who had died several months before.

The goal was that one day that tree could be decorated forChristmas and now it’s taller than the building, said the church’scurrent pastor Father Michael Gelfant. It’s wonderful. So that’swhy it’s important we use that tree.

And use it the parish did. On December 10, St. Finbar’s held itsChristmas tree lighting ceremony, and Holcomb’s tree was the centerattraction, lit up with long strands of multicolored lights to thedelight of the spectators in attendance.

For the families, it marks the beginning of the Christmasseason, Gelfant said, adding that for the parish children, It’sthe first moment they get to see a little bit of Christmas popup.

Many of the children in attendance went out Christmas carolingafter the ceremony at local police and fire stations beforereturning to St. Finbar’s for cookies and hot chocolate.

But although the tree lighting provided entertainment for many,Gelfant is quick to point out the religious connotations.

It’s not only a labor of love, but an outward expression of ourfaith, he said.