Submitted Photo The 24th Annual Christmas Barn Mass in Forestville was held on Dec. 16 in the barn of John and Aimee Rogers’ family farm.

FORESTVILLE — The 24th Annual Christmas Barn Mass in Forestville was held on Saturday evening, Dec. 16 in the barn of John and Aimee Rogers’ family farm, despite the morning snowstorm! For the approximately 80 attendees, the evening proved beautiful! God provided slightly warmer temperature than last year, with no wind and a landscape of snow that could not have been more picturesque, all to help those present to celebrate the birth of His Son, Jesus!

The journey to the Forestville Barn Mass would not have been possible without the Town of Hanover Highway Department clearing the snow from the road so the travelers had a safe journey not only up and down the hill but also with roadside parking! This was truly a blessing and a sincere thank you goes to the Highway Department of Hanover!

The snow-packed pathway to the barn was lit with luminaries that welcomed the traveler to the Barn. Upon entering, one could not miss the hay baled Altar, the 24-foot Christmas tree, the lights strung across the room, the hay bales as seating, the cathedral-like beamed ceiling luminated to show their simplistic beauty, the animals such as alpacas, a donkey and a pony. There also was a little manger filled with straw bundles tied with a ribbon for the attendees to take home to remind them that our Savior was born in a manger.

Those present were blessed to have Fr. Dan Fiebelkorn as the main celebrant, from the Roman Catholic Faith Community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which is comprised of St. Rose of Lima, Forestville and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Silver Creek.

The blessings of the evening continued with the generosity of the attendees! That evening, $115 was collected to give to the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Center in Dunkirk. Thanks one and all for helping those in need!

After the Mass and the pageant, there were cookies, hot cocoa, and Christmas singing to send all on their way to share the Good News that Christ, our Savior is born!

Thanks again to all who attended! Have a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year!