Knights of Columbus Council 7880 at Ave Maria Parish in Parker, Co is working hard to Keep Christ in Christmas.
In an effort to counteract the secular forces in our country that are attacking the true meaning of Christmas, Deacon John and Therese Ton of Queen of Peace Parish in Aurora purchased a nativity set in 2008 and obtained a permit to display it on public property in Parker.
They were in the process of building a stable for the figures when Ave Maria Knight Joe Janson offered his nativity stable. It was more than a coincidence that the Holy Family figures fit perfectly in it. Deacon John built a wood base, and Council 7880 Sir Knights Dwayne Tinnes, Jim Prestel, and Joe Janson, added interior lighting along with a Plexiglas front and additional framing.
For 15 years the nativity set has been displayed in Parker by Deacon John and Therese. Now, after 15 years, the nativity set is being passed along to the Knights of Columbus to take over its handling. Council 7880 approved the purchase of an enclosed trailer to transport and store the nativity set when not in use.
Recently Deacon John & Therese Ton joined several Knights from Ave Maria to erect the nativity set once again in Parker’s O’Brien Park, located at the NE corner of Main Street and Parker Road. Following the assembly of the nativity set, Brother Knight Deacon Paul Ruff of Council 7880 conducted a manger scene blessing rite.
The nativity set will be on display to the public throughout the Christmas season.