COVID-19 has changed the way the Newtown community celebrates the holidays, but St Rose of Lima Parish has found two new ways to celebrate the coming of Christmas and embrace the spirit of Christmas.

The Christmas 2020 Light Show Extravaganza and the 2020 Virtual Christmas Concert Spectacular were conceived of by Monsignor Bob Weiss, pastor of St Rose Parish.

“This community has endured many extraordinary challenges in 2020 that have put a strain on families and our parish in ways never before imagined,” he said. “Because we cannot welcome all parishioners and neighbors into our church this Christmas we decided to bring Christmas to them in new, celebratory ways.”

Drenched in more than 10,000 lights, the St Rose Church and Bell Garden of Peace will be the backdrop for the light show. The entire church will be outlined, lights will shine on the steeple, and there will be a 24-foot-tall mega tree and special lighting in the Bell Garden of Peace.

During the show, the lights will be synchronized to festive Christmas music. The show will be accessible via car FM radios so spectators can remain in their vehicles.

The show has a unique interactive component in which viewers can make song requests online before and during the show.

Shows are scheduled for Sunday, December 20; Wednesday, December 23; and Saturday, December 26. They will begin every 30 minutes, from 6 to 9 pm each night (final show starts at 9), in the main front parking lot of 46 Church Hill Road.

This is a free event for all. Reservations are required. More details are posted on strosechurch.com/christmas-laser-light-show.

Virtual Christmas Concert Spectacular

This first-ever event will bring Christmas performances by the parish’s longstanding music groups directly into people’s homes.

The St Rose Choir, Folk Choir, and Folk Trio will be featured along with solo performances by Joe Jacovino, the music and choir director of the parish since 2000; parishioner Bob Boncoddo, who will perform a stunning version of “O Holy Night” by Adolpe Adam; and Gemma Hyeon, an accomplished violinist who will perform “Gesu Bambino” by Pietro Yon.

The one hour concert will be hosted by Joe Jacovino with a special opening message from Monsignor Weiss.

The concert will premiere on Wednesday, December 23, at 7:30 pm on the church website, as well as its Facebook page and YouTube channel. Two sneak previews have also been posted to the parish’s social media and website.