Description: The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson’s message and a brief prayer.
Get Ready
- Prep Time: You will want to begin planning about a month in advance of the event. Prep time on the day of the event is an hour or two for set up.
- Volunteers Needed: Two-three people for the leadership committee. Ideally, you should have five to 10 young adults to lead the nine lessons. You will also need a small group of musicians to lead the carols.
- Supplies: Microphones and sound system (depending on the size of the group), handouts with prayers and songs or songbooks.
- Reserve the Space: Using the sanctuary or chapel is ideal for Lessons and Carols. You will need access to a piano, organ, or other musical instruments, along with a sound system and microphone for larger rooms. Collaborate with the parish music ministry to reserve the space and equipment.
- Ideal Group Size: Your group size is limited only by the size of your venue.
- Who is this for? The event is suitable for all ages, but it is best for high school, college-aged, and adults.
- When is a good time for this? A weekday evening.
- Publicize the Program:
- Use Facebook and e-mail lists, including Diocesan e-mail blasts, to spread the word online.
- Bulletin ads and pulpit announcements can help with getting the word out in your parish.
- Use posters and flyers to spread the word at young adult events and in locations around town.
Prayer for Program Planner: Loving God, as we prepare to meditate on these nine Lessons and Carols, help us open our hearts to hear your words and open our eyes to see your graces in our lives. Help the leaders and musicians spread the Good News and help them prepare others for the celebration of Christmas and the coming of the Christ Child. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Amen.
Community Building: As the Lessons and Carols committee meets to recruit readers and musicians, teamwork and fellowship are accomplished. Marketing the event to the parish and neighboring parishes will help promote the young adult ministry and help others prepare for Christmas. An optional reception afterwards would be good for community building or a casual outing for the young adults for drinks or dessert would provide fellowship opportunities.
Make It Happen
- First, you need to find two to three people to form the leadership committee.
- Secure a date, time, and location with the church.
- Recruit more young adults to help lead the lessons and find musicians who are willing to help with the carols.
- After these details are finalized, publicize the event.
- Use an online guide to plan the lessons and carols. The USCCB provides one, but others can also be found online.
- It is recommended to have the prayers, Bible verses, and songs (at least the number in the Missal) on a handout for the attendees.
- Arrive early to help set up and welcome people to the event.
Ideas
- Young adults can provide this program to other young adults, or they can lead it for the entire congregation. Leading Lessons and Carols for the entire congregation is a great way for the young adult ministry to get more involved in the parish life.
- If there are enough people available for multiple choirs, have a children’s choir sing some of the carols.
- You could have a representative from each ministry of the parish lead a lesson and carol. List the ministries in the program to help promote various ministries at the parish.
- An optional Holy Hour afterwards might be a nice touch.
- A hospitality team can provide Advent cookies, punch, and other treats at a reception afterwards.
Help
- There are many guides online to get the Bible verses and carols. Consider using this one from USCCB.
