Mount Benedict lights the Christmas Grove

Intermountain Catholic

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Students from St. Joseph Elementary and Middle Schools perform several Christmas carols for those attending the Lighting of the Christmas Grove ceremony. They must wear gloves to avoid tarnishing the bells. IC photo by Christine Young

OGDEN — "For some people, dedicating a light in the Christmas Grove during the Christmas season helps them feel close to someone who is no longer with them," said Yvonne Ulloa Coiner, St. Benedict’s Foundation executive director.

When the lights in the Christmas Grove were lit Dec. 3, there were 271 lights and a total of $19,800 raised. Today there are 309 loved ones who have been remembered with a light this Christmas in the Grove.

"We have reached $25,000 as of Dec. 14," said Coiner. This funding will assist St. Benedict’s Foundation to continue to give support to programs in 2008. As a result of our donors, many women and children will find hope through the assistance they will receive through the various programs with whom we work. We hope to continue to receive donations through December 31."

Coiner said since the Sisters of St. Benedict sold St. Benedict’s Hospital 12 years ago, they have continued their ministry of helping God’s people in Ogden through St. Benedict’s Foundation. They have granted more than $3 million to programs in northern Utah for child abuse prevention, intervention, and counseling; youth at-risk programs such as gang prevention, after school programs, and grieving children programs. They also support health care services for uninsured children, youth programs in support of education, and educational scholarships.

"Our goal is to continue to give while we continue to grow," said Coiner. "We plan to be here for many generations to come."

St. Joseph Elementary and Middle School Bell Choir performed at the Lighting of the Grove Dec. 3.

"The Bell Choir is an Exploratory class and very popular at the school," said Susan Norrell, choir director. "We have had a bell choir at the school for at least 10 years, and we play for different events around the Christmas season throughout Ogden and Salt Lake City. We avoid outdoor events because the bells get too cold."

Norrell said there are 18 students in the choir, and they also play chimes. The class is really good for students because it teaches them to read music, and it is also good for students with concentration issues. Norrell said students have to concentrate and focus on the music while they are playing.

"The students enjoy going out to play for events, and the people we play for are always kind in their responses to the students and what they can do," said Norrell.