Songs, sweets, and storytelling were the order of the day on Dec. 5, 2025, as homeschooling families and young families of the Diocese of Allentown gathered at Mother of Hope Hybrid Academy at St. Ursula Church, Fountain Hill, to honor St. Nicholas, the 3rd-century Bishop of Myra.
Hot and cold beverages and an array of baked goods welcomed attendees to the morning event, in anticipation of St. Nicholas’ feast, observed by the Church on Dec. 6.
A few tables were spread with free educational resources, while others were dotted with child-sized supplies for on-site craft-making. Adding to the festive atmosphere was a colorful assortment of raffle baskets, many filled with items to help reinforce children’s understanding of Christmas as the celebration of Christ’s birth.
After a greeting by Rhady Tulloch, Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese, the gathering of approximately 130 parents and children took part in a singalong with Sister Martha Zammatore, O.S.F.
Sister and her ever-present guitar got the group clapping and singing to such favorites as “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Well-known for her irrepressible joy, Sister Martha has served as prison ministry liaison for the Diocese and is the 2018 recipient of the Chaplain Joe Buck Spirit of Volunteerism Award.
When Sister Martha finished, all attention shifted to Bishop Alfred Schlert as the first presenter in the Catholic Storytelling Series. He read aloud a book he had personally chosen for the occasion, “Nicholas of Myra, Giver of Many Gifts.”
He opened the storytelling session by reminding the children of the reason for the joyous gathering: “Today is about our love for Jesus as we prepare to celebrate His birth.”
His young audience listened attentively until the end of the story, but heads turned quickly when the Bishop’s exclamation of “Oh, my goodness!” signaled the entrance of a very special guest: St. Nicholas himself.
Resplendent in red and gold vestments and an ornate rounded mitre, St. Nicholas sought assurance from the children that they had “been good.”
Afterward, he assisted with the distribution of raffle baskets before handing out gifts of his own: treat bags for the children. Each bag contained a candy cane (symbolizing St. Nicholas’ crozier), St. Nick stickers, chocolate coins and an orange (both representing the gold that the Bishop of Myra is believed to have given to a poor family), and a holy card depicting St. Nicholas and bearing the following prayer:
“Dear St. Nicholas, kind and gentle friend of Jesus, you shared God’s love with everyone you met. Please watch over me and my family today. Help me to be generous, like you. Help me to be brave in doing what is right, and joyful in caring for others. St. Nicholas, pray for me to have a heart full of kindness, hands ready to help, and eyes that notice those in need. Keep me close to Jesus, and guide me to become the saint God made me to be. Amen.”
Also contributing to the success of the St. Nicholas event were Father Brendon Laroche, pastor of St. Ursula, and Thea Aclo, Executive Director of Mother of Hope Hybrid Academy.
The next session in the Catholic Storytelling Series will take place in March, with St. Joseph as the focus. The series will pick up again in May, with a storytelling event centered on the Blessed Mother.
By Celeste Behe.
Photos by Ed Koskey.
