By Chrissy Carter
Contributing Writer

LAPLACE – Students, faculty  and parishioners of St. Joan of Arc Catholic School and Church in LaPlace celebrated the birth of Christ with the annual Living Nativity. The event took place Sunday night in St. Joan of Arc Church as community members congregated to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  

Students dressed in character and re-enacted various moments from scripture as it was read aloud. The program started with Mary, portrayed by Amanda Brady, being visited by the angel Gabriel, who was represented by Taylor Miller. The story continued as Mary and Joseph, portrayed by Ryan Tompkins, made their way to the inn where Jesus Christ was born.

“I’m an alumni of SJA, so I love coming back and seeing the students re-enact the Christmas story,” said parishioner Carly Trepagnier. “It really puts everyone in the Christmas spirit.”

After each scene, SJA second- and third-grade carolers would sing a variety of traditional Christian-based Christmas songs. The SJA band accompanied the carolers as they celebrated the holiday season. Principal Larry Bourgeois entertained the congregation as he sang solo for many songs.

Student Nicholas LeBlanc played the drum and slowly walked down the aisle towards baby Jesus, portrayed by Lily Hubbell, as students sang the popular Christmas favorite “Little Drummer Boy.”

In the final moments of the ceremony, students Dominic Boesen and Ian Arnett presented a birthday cake to the altar as the whole church sang a touching  Happy Birthday to Jesus. The presentation was followed by a reception at the school where students and parents celebrated with cupcakes and other treats.

The complete cast of the Living Nativity was: Mary – Amanda Brady; Joseph – Ryan Tompkins; Baby Jesus – Lilly Hubbell; King Herod – Jordan Jensen; Angel Gabriel – Taylor Miller; Drummer Boy – Nicholas LeBlanc; Readers – Dominique Perilloux, Glen Fernandez and Angie Cicero; Angels – Jay Childs, Lauren St. Martin, Valerie Perilloux, Tasha Hauge, Elise Vicknair, Layla Ruffin and Molly Brady; Prophets – Bryce Newman, Anthony Fernandez and Ian Kot; Kings – Colby Steib-Dennis, Gavin Babesh and Matthew Christy; and Shepherds – John Tracy, Jackson Jensen, Justin Kennedy and Hayden Hebert.