By Bonny Van

The Catholic Commentator 

From pre-K to 12th grade, Catholic school students throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge entertained family and friends with the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. The message of the coming of Jesus was portrayed through plays and songs. What a joyful time of year for the faithful of all ages! The season of Advent is one of anticipation and hope. Here are some scenes of the beautiful and sweet celebrations that were shared with The Catholic Commentator.  

Mater Dolorosa School Independence  live nativity featuring Rhett Santangelo Ricard, grandson of principal Cheryl Santangelo, as baby Jesus, Baily Bell as Mary and Blaine Husser as Joseph. Photo provided by Erin Mendez | Mater Dolorosa

Holy Ghost School in Hammond  student Luke Ard portrays Jesus as an adult. Also pictured, from left, Selena Florian, Lucy Barnes, Noelle Deshotel, Hannah Fontenot (hidden), Ameilie Stagg and Kinsey Kimberlin. Grayson Morse as Joseph, Vivienne Breaud as Mary and Layne Pegle as the Star of Bethlehem. Photo provided by Cindy Wagner | Holy Ghost

St. Francis Xavier School in Baton Rouge fifth-graders Christian Carroll and Khai Smith as Joseph and Mary. Photo provided by Paula Fabre | St. Francis Xavier

Our Lady Mercy School in Baton Rouge held  The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo provided by Christy Haldane | Our Lady of Mercy

The Drama Club of St. Jean Vianney premiered “Tails of Cinderella” by Chelsea Krause, a graduate and parishioner of SJV School and Church. Pictured, back row from left, Abby McLeod, Matthew Mohammedi, Joe Kayuha, Alyssa LeBlanc, Ryleigh Williams, Maggie Perrien, Bella Bull, Lily Dumas, Dorian Fauchex. Front row, Paige Giarrusso, Tyler Guidry, Gillian LaFleur, Christine Nguyen, Elise Watkins, Brennan Collins, director Terrie Gavin. Terrie Gavin, director. Photo by Amiee McLeod | St. Jean Vianney

The St. John School in Plaquemine  kindergarten class entertains family and friends with a performance. Photo provided by April Hedges | St. John

St. Jude School in Baton Rouge – seventh- and eighth-grade students in the St. Jude Community Cougars sing Christmas songs for the monthly seniors’ lunch group at St. Jude. Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator

St. John Primary in Prairieville first- and second-graders perform the story of the Nativity. Photo provided by Teresa Landry | St. John Primary and St. Theresa