HILLSIDE, N.J. – Carolers of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church of Hillside, N.J., visited parishioners in their homes and the retired Sisters of Mercy and clergy at McAuley Hall on the campus of Mt. St. Mary Academy in Watchung, N.J., on December 26, 2017.
Being able to witness the joy of the retired sisters, clergy and residents as they joined in English-language Christmas carols and experienced the Ukrainian Christmas carols that were sung was a special gift to members of the parish in New Jersey’s Union County.
Earlier that month, on December 3, 2017, St. Nicholas visited the children and parishioners of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church. St. Nicholas was very impressed with all of the children and with the wonderful program that they put on in his honor. The Rev. Vasyl Vladyka, parish administrator, led the attendees in prayer and koliady. Russ Pencak served as liaison to St. Nicholas; Mike Szpyhulsky served as emcee.
St. Nicholas even went outside the church to wave to the parade participants who were marching on Liberty Avenue in honor of the Hillside High School Comets Football team who won the New Jersey State CJG2 Championship title the day before. St. Nicholas wished all a blessed Christmas season and a joyous upcoming New Year, and parade participants cheered back.