Midnight Mass
It was Christmas again. Callahan could hardly believe that a year had gone by so quickly. He was beginning to think of this place as home, much like the way he had finally settled into life in the Calla.
Seeing all the different sorts of island residents filing into the church warmed his heart. He waited until everyone seemed comfortable and there didn't seem to be anyone else filing in, and began to speak. "Welcome, everyone. I... cannot tell you what a joy it is to see so many of you here together to celebrate Christmas. It is truly a testament that God can find his way into the most remote places. From wherever we've come from, we are all here together now, and safe and loved on this Christmas, and for that we say thankya."
"As far as tonight's service goes, I am a priest and I called it a midnight mass because that is the term familiar to me, but with so many different types of people here from different worlds and different faiths, I think that something more generic would be appropriate. I believe I will begin to hold regular Catholic mass beginning in the new year, if only to hear myself talk, so if God spurs your interest in such things, do feel free to speak with me afterwards. For now, let us celebrate Christmas together, and as always, that begins with a story."
"And God sent an angel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee, with a message for a virgin named Mary..." He read the entire Christmas story from Luke, from the Living Bible translation, thinking it would be easier for any children there to understand. When he was finished, he offered a prayer, said a few words about the spirit of love and giving behind Christmas.
Callahan remembered how well the caroling had gone over last year, so he led the group in "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" and sent around candles, which everyone lit in turn with the flame of the person sitting next to them.
After that, he stood in front again and with a smile, offered, "And now my part here is done. Please take this opportunity to enjoy each other's company here in the warmth. Merry Christmas to you all, and good night."
[OOC: Gathering post! Tag in with your pup's thoughts about being there, and tag each other for socializing after the service. Merry Christmas!]
Seeing all the different sorts of island residents filing into the church warmed his heart. He waited until everyone seemed comfortable and there didn't seem to be anyone else filing in, and began to speak. "Welcome, everyone. I... cannot tell you what a joy it is to see so many of you here together to celebrate Christmas. It is truly a testament that God can find his way into the most remote places. From wherever we've come from, we are all here together now, and safe and loved on this Christmas, and for that we say thankya."
"As far as tonight's service goes, I am a priest and I called it a midnight mass because that is the term familiar to me, but with so many different types of people here from different worlds and different faiths, I think that something more generic would be appropriate. I believe I will begin to hold regular Catholic mass beginning in the new year, if only to hear myself talk, so if God spurs your interest in such things, do feel free to speak with me afterwards. For now, let us celebrate Christmas together, and as always, that begins with a story."
"And God sent an angel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee, with a message for a virgin named Mary..." He read the entire Christmas story from Luke, from the Living Bible translation, thinking it would be easier for any children there to understand. When he was finished, he offered a prayer, said a few words about the spirit of love and giving behind Christmas.
Callahan remembered how well the caroling had gone over last year, so he led the group in "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" and sent around candles, which everyone lit in turn with the flame of the person sitting next to them.
After that, he stood in front again and with a smile, offered, "And now my part here is done. Please take this opportunity to enjoy each other's company here in the warmth. Merry Christmas to you all, and good night."
[OOC: Gathering post! Tag in with your pup's thoughts about being there, and tag each other for socializing after the service. Merry Christmas!]