Dozens of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and decorated the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for the Christmas season.
Over about a four-hour period on Dec. 14, the group hauled trees and decorations from the cathedral basement into the church, unpacked them and got to work. About two dozen Christmas trees of varying sizes were placed around the sanctuary, in the back and lobby of the cathedral. Wreaths were hung from the candles along the church walls. Additional miniature white lights were added to some of the trees to replace burned-out bulbs.
(See photo gallery above.)
Another group helped assemble the historic creche on the Superior Avenue side of the cathedral. The creche, a gift from Bishop Joseph Schrembs, the fifth bishop of Cleveland who served 1921-1945, was blessed during a Mass on Christmas Day in 1928. The bishop ordered it from a craftsman in his native Germany. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with originating the Christmas creche in 1223.
Father Sean Ralph, cathedral rector, guided volunteers as they carefully placed the figures around the elaborate setting that was created to resemble what Bethlehem would have looked like at the time of Jesus’ birth.
Once again, members of the Saint Ignatius High School football team joined cathedral parishioners and other volunteers to help with the decorating. Ryan Franzinger, head football coach, Saint Ignatius theology teacher and a cathedral parishioner, said the students volunteer their time to help with various tasks during the decorating. Many hauled up boxes, bags and other items from the basement, then helped assemble the trees. Some even used vacuum cleaners to help Bert Naphtali and the cathedral maintenance staff clean up the church.
“I’m really proud of them,” Franzinger said, noting the football players have helped with the decorating for many years. “We have a special relationship with the cathedral,” Franzinger said, noting Saint Ignatius’ annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, which opens the school year, takes place in the cathedral, as does the graduation Mass.
“This is a really great day,” he added, crediting the boys who gave up their Saturday morning to help. “It’s an example of authentic, genuine service.”
Bishop Edward Malesic stopped by to chat with the volunteers and to pose for photos with the football players. He admired their work and thanked them for their assistance.
Outside, cathedral staffer Ken Misconish directed volunteers who helped him assemble the large creche he built several years ago. After attaching the roof, large statues were placed inside the creche and an angel was attached to the top. Baby Jesus will be placed in the manger in time for Christmas. A statue of Baby Jesus also will be placed in the historic creche inside the cathedral prior to the vigil Mass on Christmas Eve. Another larger Baby Jesus will be placed in front of the altar on Christmas Eve.
Father Ralph said finishing touches will be added throughout the week, including fresh poinsettia plants. The trees will be lit for the 4:30 p.m. vigil Mass on Christmas Eve. Decorations will be removed after the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 12, 2025, which ends the Christmas season.