St. Francis Xavier Parish will present its second-annual Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature “The Winter Rose,” composed by Joseph M. Martin and directed by music director Ryan C. Neal.

The Winter Rose incorporates both traditional carols and newly composed anthems that portray the timeless Christmas story. Through soaring music, compelling narration and simple symbolism, the cantata presents the life of Christ from prophecy to passion. A full, 28-piece orchestra will accompany a chorus of some 50 singers from St. Francis Xavier Parish and neighboring churches.

The concert will be held inside St. Francis Xavier Church, 606 E. Washington St., Medina. It is the capstone of a two-day event celebrating the parish’s 156^th anniversary on our patronal feast day of St. Francis Xavier. On Friday, Dec. 2, the school children will offer prayers during adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration will resume after 7 p.m. Mass that evening and continue through the night, concluding at 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

Immediately following the 5 p.m. Mass on Dec. 3, Father Tony Sejba will bless and dedicate the new statue of St. Francis Xavier that adorns the entrance to our recently completed west vestibule. A catered dinner for parishioners will be held in the church hall immediately following Mass. Please RSVP here by Nov. 28 for the dinner or call the parish office at 330-725-4968.

There is no cost for this event. For more information, contact Ryan Neal at 330-764-8959 or rneal@sfxmedina.org or Jennifer Webb at 330-764-8946 or jwebb@sfxmedina.org.