St. William the Abbot R.C. Church in Seaford got into the Christmas spirit last week with its first annual Candlelight Carol Sing attended by more than 600 people.
The musical event, which was hosted by the church's music ministry, is based off of the annual carol sing that is hosted in Newark, N.J. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Alfred Allongo, director of Music Ministry at St. William the Abbot Parish, had attended this event for the past couple of years and thought it was such a wonderful holiday tradition and wanted to bring it to Long Island.
The night started with hot chocolate and warm cider for all to enjoy on the front plaza of the church, which is located on 2000 Jackson Ave. The adult choir from St. William the Abbot Church sang a variety of songs and was accompanied by professional musicians.
The Carol Sing opened with the choir singing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Throughout the concert, some songs were for community sing. The St. William’s Handbell choir played “Prince of Peace” and “We Three Kings.”
A highlight of the evening was when the choir sang “Silent Night” and everyone in the audience held a candle. The choir then closed the Carol Sing with the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
