The cast of the nativity pageant takes a break from rehearsal. (Photo courtesy of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church)

Sunday-school students at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Cold Spring will play leading roles – literally – at the church’s early afternoon Christmas Eve service.  To begin at 1 p.m. on Dec. 24, the “Family Mass” is oriented to young attendees and parents. Organizers explain that the early hour allows families more time during the remainder of Christmas Eve for their own activities. During the liturgy, the Sunday-school participants will act out the nativity story from the Gospels. They began practicing several weeks ago under the direction of Rosaline Lombardo, Sunday-school director, and Beth Shanahan, teacher. “The Sunday-school children totally steal the show at the Family Mass,” said Father Shane Scott-Hamblen, St. Mary’s rector. “The priest can’t compete with that level of adorability!”

St. Mary’s is located at the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets (Routes 301 and 9D), at the traffic light in the village. Its services are open to all.

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