Our parish hosted its first World Christmas Market on Saturday, December 2 from 3:00-7:00PM and Sunday, December 3 from 7:30AM-Noon! A wonderful success, our 12-person committee worked diligently to provide parishioners, and all in our community, a beautiful start to the Advent Season. We landed on a total of 42 table hosts featuring parishioner's businesses, high-quality vendors selling unique holiday gifts, and our very own Parish Groups. Our courtyard was described as "magical" with extensive twinkling lights and seasonal decorations all assembled to look like the European World Markets of Vienna, Parish and more. Temperatures were cool but we were warmed by Advent music playing and the opportunity for meaningful fellowship within our beautiful courtyard. The "Tamale Sisters," or Poor Clares from Texcoco, Mexico did not disappoint with their extraordinary crafts and their $10 hot plates with a tamale, salsa, rice, and beans a delicious and hearty meal. One dozen frozen tamales cost only $22 but were so popular that they sold out within a few hours! The Croatian Community's made-to-order $5 sweet crepes and lovely pastries provided the perfect dessert for a chilly evening and morning. Our Young Adult Group and Teens managed a festive hot cocoa and hot cider stand and the Knights of Columbus served their signature coffee. Blessed Sacrament Women's Community's bake sale gave everyone a chance to take home unique homemade holiday treats. Our cozy seating area was a hub for families and friends to gather to eat while children kept busy nearby participating in FREE Kids Crafts. Our guests enjoyed some Scavenger Hunt fun too, earning wonderful holiday prizes! Sunday morning our Scottsdale Fire Department brought the giant engine as a special treat for kids young and old. What a blessing for our community to share the start of Advent this way. God Bless our Parish and our world as we anticipate the birth of our Savior this Christmas.
