Unveiling the Light

Hey kids of all ages; Santa will visit Paradise this Sunday evening, December 10th, at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church at 767 Elliott Road in Paradise, just one block east of Skyway and the Veterans Hall. I can proclaim this because this is not a fund raiser, is not a religious service, and no postulating or evangelization is allowed. This is purely a fun community event open to all, regardless of religious affiliation or belief, and it won't cost you a dime! It begins after the 5:00 pm mass, at around 6:00 pm.

Santa Clause should arrive around 6:00 PM to open the doors to the parish community center. He is landing at the Paradise Fire Department because there is an open area there that makes it easier to park the sleigh. There the reindeer will be safe and can quietly rest and eat to make ready for the return trip to the North Pole. They have to take it easy because their BIG DAY is coming soon! Santa will be given a ride to St. Thomas More in a special fire truck. We will welcome him in the parking lot, perhaps with a Christmas carol, and then follow him into the hall as the fun begins!

In the Community Center you will find that everything is free including carnival games with prizes, a bounce house, a clown, balloon figures, and lots of food, snacks and flavored drinks. Santa Clause will have a large chair to greet individual children and to give them each a special gift. This event is put on as a public service by the parish with special help from the parish groups, Mothers and Others, the Knights of Columbus, the ROCK Youth Group and others. It is open to all the Ridge Community and everything is free, all given in the Christmas Spirit for the sake of communal unity, bridge building, and the enjoyment of kids young and old.

This is the kind of Christmas event we all remember fondly from our early years. There will be lots of activity but also many seats and tables in the smaller section of the hall. It won’t be a good evening for meditation (unless you want to slip into the church), but is a wonderful way to get into the Christmas Spirit and for us older folks to simply enjoy the laughter and thrill of the kids and families. I hope to see many of you there. Don’t let this opportunity for Ridge unity and celebration pass. How often to you get to have a converstion with Santa! Bring the entire family!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a great carnival full of fun and cheer.

Father Steven Foppiano