Some Las Posadas News and FAQs
What time should we be at the park?
Parents and children (K-5) should gather around the gazebo between 6:45 and 7:00. Chorus and Service Team Members (Grades 6-8) arrive at 6:30. (Teachers arrive before students arrive.)
On the evening of Thursday, December 18th, we will meet in Church Square Park for Las Posadas at 6:45PM to begin our procession around the park, re-enacting Mary & Joseph's journey through Bethlehem in search of a place to stay. Then there is the Christmas concert in Our Lady of Grace church followed by the pinata party in the school gym.
We need lots of help and there are a number of ways you can assist...perhaps you can bring some small (8 oz) bottles of water, clementines, or a bag of candy (click here for allergy free acceptable candy options). We also need help handing out refreshments and with the clean-up afterwards. Please fill out the form here and let us know if you can help with any of these things. Thanks.!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does everyone need to dress up?
All students should come as a shepherd, angel, sheep or Bethlehem villager. Parents are encouraged to dress up also – throw a towel over your head or drape a blanket over your coat, and bathrobes, of course, are always in style on this night.
Where do we get a light?
Students will receive a light from their teacher. Parents and siblings can get lights near the stairs to the gazebo.
How many times will we sing that song we always sing?
We will sing it many times and we want your voice too. Sheet music is available to all parents when you pick up your lights. When we walk from place to place we don’t all sing, but when we stop in front of the doorway we will all sing the song about three times before Joseph knocks on the door.
Where should parents be in the procession?
During the procession students will walk with their classmates. You and any younger siblings are welcome to join them. We encourage you to help the teachers keep all the children together as a class. We are a big group so try to pack in close when we stop so that our procession is not strung far off down the street. Some classes will stop ahead of the main star and will need to turn around to see Mary and Joseph.
What do we do in the church?
In the church, the students sit as a class up front. Parents and siblings will need to sit in the pews behind the student body. Mary and Joseph process while we sing the first song, so be sure to turn around and get a good look.
How about the piñata breaking?
After the classes are dismissed from the church, we all gather in the gym. The Kindergarten is allowed on the stage. The rest of us mingle below and may have some refreshment. While we are encouraging children to dance, sing and have fun, please help us discourage children from racing around. We stop everything to break the piñata and after that the band plays again.
When is the party over?
The party is really over when the music stops playing. (No later than 9pm) Remember that all children need to say goodbye to their teacher before they leave so that we can make sure each child has a way home.
