Sharing the Reason for the Season: St. Ann School’s Christmas Pageant

Last week, our St. Ann School community gathered in the sacred beauty of St. Ann Church to witness something truly special — this year's Christmas Pageant, lovingly prepared and joyfully presented by our students.

More than a performance, this pageant was an act of worship, storytelling, and faith. Through song, scripture, and movement, our students shared the true reason for the season: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Under the thoughtful direction of our music teacher, Mr. Thelen, the pageant came together in a way that was reverent, engaging, and inclusive. Every child had a role to play, reminding us that each member of our school family matters — just as each part of the Nativity story is essential.

Our music teacher, Mr. Thelen, did an incredible job directing the Pageant!  

A Pageant That Included Every Child

One of the most beautiful aspects of this year’s pageant was how intentionally every student was involved.

• Our Little Branches 4K students delighted the congregation as manger animals

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• Kindergarten and first grade filled the church as angels

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• Second and third graders served as shepherds, choir members, and chime players

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• Fourth graders took on important speaking and acting roles as prophets, the Angel Gabriel, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, wise men, the innkeeper, King Herod, messengers, and some 6th graders were narrators 

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For students not in a specific acting role, the choir and chimes allowed them to remain deeply engaged in the storytelling — surrounding the church with music that lifted hearts and pointed us back to Christ.

As one audience member shared:

“St. Ann’s is amazing! This Christmas pageant was so awesome. Making sure all the kids were involved and had costumes. Utilizing the whole church in the story — loved how the narrators were the big kids. Thank you for all you do!”
— Sue Strandlie

Music, Movement, and Meaning

From the opening notes to the final hymn, the music was a powerful part of the experience. The songs, readings, and gentle movements around the church helped bring Scripture to life, guiding us through the story of salvation with reverence and joy.

“It was beautiful. Narrators, costumes, music, story, songs, director — outstanding. I am so glad I could watch it on Facebook. Thanks!”
— Patti Eisele Shechter

We were especially grateful to be able to share this moment with extended family and friends through Facebook Live, allowing grandparents, parishioners, and loved ones near and far to join in the celebration.

“This was a wonderful program. Thank you! Memories! (The grandparents of these kids were classmates of my kids.)”
— Jo Laffey

Faith Passed from Generation to Generation

The Christmas Pageant reminded us that faith is not only taught — it is shared, lived, and passed down. Seeing our students proclaim Scripture and sing about the birth of Christ in the very space where generations have worshipped was a powerful testament to the strength of our parish and school community.

“Amazing program, excellent. I’m so proud of our kids and teachers.”
— Solange Mosegue

“Absolutely beautiful performance. I teared up a few times. So precious.”
— Noelle Mattei Haser

A Reflection of Our Mission

At St. Ann School, our mission is rooted in faith, excellence, and community — and this pageant reflected that beautifully.

“Wonderful program! Narrators are doing a great job.”
— Patty LaPoint

“That was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen!”
— Cathy Wahlin

“Great pageant and truly puts us in the SPIRIT & reminds us the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to you ALL.”
— MaryAnn Holton

“This was loving the Bible.”
— Mary Ripp

With Grateful Hearts

As the final song faded and the last notes of chimes echoed through the church, hearts were full — with laughter, prayer, and gratitude. From the joyful smiles sparked by the animals and angels to the reverent stillness during Scripture and song, this year’s Christmas presentation reminded us that faith can be both deeply sacred and beautifully joyful.

We are deeply thankful for Mr. Thelen’s dedication, for our teachers and staff who supported the students behind the scenes, and for our families who encourage and nurture their children’s faith each day. The care and preparation poured into this presentation were evident in every costume, movement, and word spoken.

Most of all, we are grateful for our students — who shared the Christmas story with such sincerity, courage, and joy. Through their voices and actions, they reminded us of the reason for the season, inviting us to pause, rejoice, and remember the miracle of Christ’s birth.

May this pageant continue to echo in our hearts throughout the season, reminding us of God’s great love, the beauty of community, and the gift of gathering together in faith.

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.