By Lisa Ormond | FāVS News Reporter
Moscow, IDAHO — On a cold, dark December night in North Idaho, an outdoor Living Nativity starring over 40 Catholic children in homemade costumes surrounded by live farm animals came to life in its full glory before an audience of over 200 community onlookers.
“The participation and viewers at this year’s event was over double the amount of our first two years,” marveled Erin Clemm, event organizer and Religious Education coordinator at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Moscow. “What an exciting night and truly a thrill of hope for our entire community.”
A gift of beauty and brilliance
The biblical re-enactment of Jesus’s birth at St. Mary’s parish on Dec. 12 was the only Catholic, public Nativity celebration of its kind in the regional area. It included four main scenes or stations that attendees walked along to view and hear the retelling of the biblical story of Christ’s birth.
“Watching the kids actively participate and showcase the Nativity is a testament to their faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ,” Clemm said. “Together, they created a splendid and joyous atmosphere for everyone.”
This was the third year St. Mary’s families and church community hosted the celebration inviting not only area Catholics but community members as well to its parish grounds for a childlike presentation of wonder, peace and reverence for over an hour.
“The lighting and sound this year gave it that magic quality, and the church’s stained-glass windows in the back looked like jewels,” shared Cynthia Muskat, the parish’s music ministry coordinator. “It was such a gorgeous scene.”
According to Clemm, this year’s Living Nativity featured the youngest generation of Catholics ages 4 to 14. They showcased the traditional story about the true meaning of Christmas with poise and purpose.
“We had many kids who wanted speaking parts and several who simply wished to silently be involved. We are truly blessed with these young, beautiful souls,” she said.
Children take the lead
With excitement and eagerness, the young actors embraced their roles and delighted audiences with their costumes, talents and smiles all night long. The cast included the main characters of Mary and Joseph, soldiers, wisemen, angels, shepherds, cows, donkeys and sheep.
Clemm said the planning and preparation for the play begins in October.
“All of the actors are kids in our parish communities,” she said. “The children help make their own costumes, and we have a few props for them to use.”
The Nativity’s story narrator was 11-year-old Chloe Fowler of St. Augustine’s parish. This was her third year as a participant.
“I graduated to the narrator part,” said Fowler. “I was an angel the previous two years, and I really wanted to do this so I was excited.”
Ellie Flanders of St. Mary’s, 10, volunteered for the part of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was her first year doing so. At the stable by the manger, Flanders recited the Magnificat, also known as the Song of Mary found in the Gospel of Luke, several times that night.
“I’ve wanted to be Mary for a while,” she said. “I was a little nervous at first when I read my lines, but then I realized I really shouldn’t be nervous. It was all OK.”
The role of Joseph was played by Owen Rhoden, 10, of St. Augustine’s. “My mom asked me to play the part and I said yes,” he said.
Angelic choir compliments
Upon completing the walking Nativity, viewers experienced pleasing, melodic sounds of Christmas classic songs performed by over a dozen volunteer carolers at the church doors. Core singers were from St. Mary’s music ministers including its pastor, the Rev. Benjamin Onyemachi who joined his voice with theirs in praise.
“The sound was so glorious, just lifting in the air from the front steps of the church,” said Cynthia Muskat, the parish’s music ministry coordinator. “Many voices sang words of joy from their hearts.”
Trust leads to fruits
Parent and St. Augustine parish member Amanda Fowler was one of the area Catholics who suggested and helped launch the Living Nativity event in 2023. Three of her daughters participated in this year’s celebration, one of them Chloe Fowler, the narrator.
“It’s really fun to watch it grow and evolve,” said Amanda Fowler. “It’s like a dream come true.”
Amanda Fowler said the inspiration to start a Christmas Nativity in her Catholic community came from her childhood. She grew up in Nez Perce, Idaho, and after Christmas midnight Mass each year around 20 grandchildren in her family “gathered together and acted out” the Nativity scene in their home.
“It was a tradition I fondly remember,” she said.
It was Fowler, Clemm and St. Mary’s Youth Ministry Coordinator Jenny Morrison’s passion, vision and partnership that united area Catholic families and children to embrace the new idea within their faith community.
“I know I was concerned about creating the Nativity from nothing three years ago, but it really all came together and here we are now!” said Morrison.
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