Indian Creek parish creates a night in Bethlehem

Children and youth make ornaments at one stall. Over 80 parishioners at St. Mary of Vernon Parish in Indian Creek presented “A Night in Bethlehem & Live Nativity” on Dec. 15, 2024. In the vestibule of the church, guests entered a Bethlehem market depicting a village with various activities including 10 booths selling artisan goods such as wooden spinners and dreidels, bread and cheeses, small instruments, ornaments, pottery, spices and textiles. Parishioners dressed up in costumes and interacted with visitors. Later, everyone gathered in the church for storytelling with angels, shepherds, Joseph, Mary and the wisemen while the choir sang carols followed by the live Nativity scene. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Children and their families interact at a stop in the village. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Kids try their hand at fishing in a stall in the village. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Parishioners created pieces to set the stage for a village. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Parishioners portraying Joseph and Mary process through the village with a donkey. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Volunteers depict scenes of the Nativity from the garden behind the altar. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

With the shepherds and angels looking on in the background, a young visitor takes in the scene. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Youth greet a camel near the stable. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)