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St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Florence, Oneida County, NY

Preserving the past for future generations

1845 - 2003

Annual Events


4th Annual - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Florence, NY
  December 2011 - on the former rectory grounds
   
THE LIGHTS OF ST. MARY'S
   
The "Friends of St. Mary's, Florence, NY lit the Christmas tree that stands on the former rectory grounds again this holiday season
As per the last 4 years, you could purchase a bulb[s] in memory of, in honor of, or to commemorate a special event[s]. Bulbs were $5.00 each or $50.00 for a complete string.  
   
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes for the holiday season and the New Year.

3rd Annual - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Florence, NY
  December 4, 2010 6:00 pm (Saturday) - on the church grounds
    Festivites at 5:00 pm, Florence Hotel with food, drinks and raffles.
Raffles: One ticket for $20 (eligible for 15+ drawings during the evening!)
Entertainment: All Star Kazoo Band with guest conductor
   
  2010 Christmas Tree Lights
    Tree lights were purchased for $5.00 per light or
a string of lights (25) for $100 (and received a free raffle ticket!)
    Lights were purchased to honor someone, in memory of someone or to commemorate an event of your choosing.
     
    Proceeds benefited the St. Mary's Preservation Fund.
Thank you for your continued support.

2nd Annual - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Florence, NY
  December 5, 2009 6:00 pm (Saturday) - on former rectory grounds
   

Festivites at 5:00 pm, Florence Hotel
Raffles and 50/50 Drawings: to benefit the St. Mary's Preservation Fund.
   One of the drawings was for a large multi-prize raffle.
   One ticket could be purchased with multiple opportunities to win.
Entertainment: Delta United Methodist Church Hand Bell Ringers
Food: Florence Hotel served warm winter comfort foods

     
  2009 Christmas Tree Lights
    Tree lights were purchased for $5.00 per light.
    Lights were purchased to honor someone, in memory of someone or to commemorate an event of your choosing.
     
    See also, December 9, 2009 newspaper clipping with photo

1st Annual - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Florence, NY
  December 6, 2008 6:00 pm (Saturday)
     
    Everyone was Invited!
    Decorating the tree near the Parish Center. Music provided by Dave Liddy from 5 to 6 pm prior to the lighting. Food and beverages were available at the Florence Hotel during the evening.

    The tree lighting in Florence on December 6th was beautiful. The lights on the Statue of the Sacred Heart at the top of the hill reflected that statue onto the outside of the church which was breathtaking. The Blessed Mother's Shrine had a pretty red light shining on it and the tree on the former rectory grounds was bathed in colorful lights. When the last of the lights were lit, the bells were ringing from the church and a hush came over the crowd. It was very impressive and time for reflection on "the reason for the season."
     There was a get together at the Florence Hotel prior to the lightning. There was food, raffles and music. Steve Quennville and Dave Liddy provided music. Steve sang " The Bells of St. Mary's" inside before we went out to light the tree.
     This is a tradition that we plan to do yearly and based on the crowd waiting outside and the feedback from people we expect that the attendance will only get bigger.

- Mary Sauer

See also, December 24, 2009 newspaper article with photo


This page last updated: January 5, 2012

Website started August 17, 2006, Revised April 6, 2007.
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