WESTFIELD – 
The Christmas season ended Sunday with parishioners at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church taking a visit to Bethlehem for the “Miracle of Jesus.” Lining up at the City Gates each visitor was given a map to Bethlehem and then they stepped through the gate and back in time. The parish center was transformed to delight the senses thanks to the hard work of Religious education coordinator Sheila Conroy, Mary Regan, and a team of dedicated volunteers.
Wandering through exhibits featuring the Census Taker, Toy Maker, and Wool Trader, parishioners met costumed characters sharing stories of the time surrounding Jesus’ birth. On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, a net cast from a boat was filled with fish and the sound of waves crashing the pier set the scene as children decorated their catch. At the Spice Shop samples of Frankincense and Myrrh were offered. Merchants encouraged visitors to look for the newborn king, “We hear a baby was born last night in a manger.” Then came the whispered advice, “Beware of King Herrod. He wants to hurt the baby Jesus.”
Each exhibit visited earned a scratch and sniff sticker for the map of the city of Bethlehem. The challenge to participants was to fill out their map with stickers from each scene. The Census Taker offered a sticker smelling of money. But the sticker from the live drama at the Nativity scene smelled like a stable. More appetizing, was a visit to the Bakery where hungry tourists got to roll out bread for a snack or enjoy a lunch of soup. “We enjoyed our visit to Bethlehem,” said Irene Breton who toured the city along with her husband Richard.
“This was a wonderful way for our whole parish family to end the Christmas season together,” said Fr. Daniel Pacholec after touring the city. “Volunteers re-created the city with hours of hard work. Great costumes and scenery, and people to play the roles need an audience. Today was a real treat for all ages.”
“The children especially enjoy this reenactment and this is why so many parishioners volunteer their time and talents to help set up the gymnasium, decorate, play the various roles, donate props, and help to clean up afterwards. It’s our parishioners who make events like this possible. Thank you to everyone who helped and attended the “Miracle of Jesus” event,” said Sheila Conroy.
