On Sunday, December 13, 2020, the MYP hosted their annual Christmas Day event over Zoom Conferencing. The event was rectored by Dina DePaola & Diana Roach. The Team Members were Nan Adams, Kerin Carty Kriegsman, Shauna D’Arcy, Mary Leavens, Tom Leavens, Megan McComiskey, Jean Pedri & Cathy Bischoff Weinbaum—along with special guest PJ Macari. The theme of the event was Advent, the four week cycle that includes reflection, repentance, joy & more reflection. Each of the Advent candles were lit over the course of the event, as well as reflected upon with scripture & prayer. PJ Macari was invited to give the talk with Tom Leavens. PJ shared what has been happening with him & his family during the pandemic, as well as his fondness for the annual MYP Christmas event since he was a teen in the program. The teens were separated into Breakout Room for small group discussions about Advent and, for the second activity, asked to write Christmas letters to veterans residing in a VA hospital on Long Island. The event concluded with a Prayer Service where we asked, “Lead us in your light, O Lord.”
Traditionally, our Christmas Event includes sharing a meal together and wrapping presents for teens at a local shelter. How could we make this event as special as it always is? So, Dina & Diana delivered gifts (notice the Santa hats on our teens in the Zoom Picture) & treats to each of our teens homes on the Saturday before the event, dressed as Santa’s helpers! Even in this pandemic, we are so grateful for the MYP, especially for our teens!