(12-1-23) Once again this year, the St. Charles Senior Living Community is opening its doors to the community for Follow the Star: Christmas at Saint Charles Dec. 16 through Dec. 22 at 2860 U.S. Route 127 in Carthagena.

The centerpiece of the celebration will be from 12:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 16 with a menu of activities for all ages. For the second year in a row, St. Charles will feature cookies and milk with Saint Nicholas, a model train display, hayrides around the property (weather permitting), a festival of trees decorated by youth groups from parishes around St. Charles, a display of Stations of the Nativity, Mass and a living nativity complete with live animals to recall first-hand the birth of Jesus.

At the center of the festivities in the first-floor hallway stands a 15-foot Christmas tree with thousands of lights, and a beautiful nativity display.

Again this year a group of residents, including lay people and retired priests and brothers at St. Charles have volunteered to bring to life a vision of lush greenery, colorful wreaths, and beautiful displays both indoors and out, that celebrate the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Among the displays are 14 Stations of the Nativity, that begin with the angel’s announcement to Mary of her coming motherhood through the birth of Jesus to Epiphany.

Ten local parish youth groups, schools and religious education programs will once again decorate Christmas trees that will line one of the main hallways for the event. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree by placing cash in boxes at each tree. Each dollar bill counts as one vote. Groups will keep money collected to use for their ministry.

Making a return engagement is Saint Nicholas who will tell the story of the famous bishop and his kindness to children and the poor. The presentation begins at 1:30 and is followed by cookies and milk for the children who attend.

As he did last year, Brother Tim Cahill will open his train display to visitors at the Cahill Railroad in the Terrace level of the main building.

Following Mass at 4 p.m. in the Assumption Chapel, there will be a glowing procession to the site of the live nativity.

The entire event is free to all visitors. Monetary donations to build the tradition will be accepted at St. Charles throughout the celebration. Follow the Star is also supporting two local outreach programs with donations from visitors. Hand-Up Village in Celina, Ohio provides homes and support to local homeless people, and Rustic Hope in Russia, Ohio offers physical, emotional, and spiritual support to families in need.

In addition to the events of Dec. 16, there will be a celebration of Lessons and Carols at 4 p.m. on Dec. 17 in the main chapel, as well as opportunities to pray the Stations of the Nativity at 1 and 2 p.m.

Visitors can continue to enjoy the displays and decorations from 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 18-22.

For a complete schedule, go to our Facebook page: Follow the Star: Christmas at Saint Charles.

 For more information, contact Teresa DiSalvo at bentleyteresa3@gmail.com or by calling 419-925-4516, Ext.112.