In the long tradition of Sacred Heart Schools, the Advent period of preparation and anticipation culminates with the richness of the Vespers Prayer Service. Newton Country Day Middle School celebrated Vespers on December 20 and the Upper School presented its Vespers program on December 22 at Trinity Chapel.

Months of patient practice for Middle School Vespers was evidenced in the instrumental program, in the selected works presented by the chorus and the dancers, and in the readings of Scripture and the intercessory prayers. Middle School Vespers focused on the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, and the Journey of the Shepherds. The fifth and sixth grade chorus, the seventh and eighth grade chorus, and Cantilare singers presented carols from around the world and arrangements from renowned composers such as Britten, Rutter, and Ravel. In concert with the chorus, dance classes across the grades interpreted the spiritual message of the carols. Parents joined the student performers in singing traditional carols that centered on the Advent journey.

The Newton Country Day Schola Cantorum opened the Upper School Vespers program with Ave Maria. The program wove the solemnity of intercessory prayers, Psalms, and Old and New Testament readings with the uplifting beat of the Gospel Choir, the grace and beauty of the many student dance ensembles, and choral arrangements performed by the Schola, the Chorale, the faculty ensemble, and the student a cappella Heartbeats. At the heart of the Vespers program, Chorale and Schola came together for an exquisite presentation of Hayden’s St. Leopold Mass.

The weeks of diligent preparation required to create the Vespers programs is remembered by Alumnae as a highlight of their years at Sacred Heart. Recent alumnae and alumnae from the 1950’s were in the audience and joined the Upper School and faculty on the altar for the closing Vespers piece, Silent Night/Night of Silence. Following Vespers, the alumnae joined faculty, families, and students for a Christmas Goûter at the school where they were greeted at the entry by the Heartbeats’ festive rounds of carols.

On December 23, Middle and Upper School students and faculty joined the Class of 2012 for an All-School Christmas Gathering that centered on the theme of the book, The Polar Express. After many earlier weeks of planning, the seniors spent the night of Vespers decorating the Sweeney Husson Theatre to host the Christmas celebration. It was a joyful morning of carols, story-reading, and a visit from Santa who presented each fifth grader with a silver bell.

On Christmas Eve, alumnae and families joined Sister Rogers for Christmas Mass in the Chapel and a Goûter in the Blue Room. All at Newton Country Day School thank our Sacred Heart families, alumnae, and friends for making the year richly fulfilling. May your Christmas season and New Year be blessed with peace, hope, and music in your hearts.