On December 12, the entire community of St. Lawrence gathered for a bilingual, family-friendly event in Higgins Hall called “And He Dwelt Among Us” (“Y Habitó Entre Nosotros”). It was a time to reflect, pray, and engage in fellowship with each other—old and new friends alike.

This event is part of the “And You Welcomed Me” stewardship journey at St. Lawrence and was made possible, in part, through a Community Impact Grant funded through the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s annual Giving Challenge and the Catholic Foundation.

Cookies and cocoa brought parishioners together for a social time filled with laughter, hugs, and holiday spirit. Danah Lee, director of development, kicked off the evening by addressing the crowd, saying, 

“This Advent season, instead of focusing on all the gifts that get delivered by sleigh, let’s look at all the gifts that lie in the hay. The simplicity of the birth of Christ and that hope that He brings as gifts to the broken, the lost, the tired, and those hurting—and with the anticipation of Him, we can all find joy.”

In the spirit of her words, Fr. Chuck Dornquast, pastor of St. Lawrence, offered a reflection in both English and Spanish about how the Holy Family invites us into their dwelling place of Nazareth, to be a child in their spiritual home, just as Jesus was.

Luminaries lit up the pathway from Higgins Hall to the church as guests processed to the church for Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Upon entering, they were greeted by a candlelit crèche scene, recalling the manger Jesus was laid in at his birth. Rather than laying in the hay, Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist, displayed in the monstrance, awaiting everyone for a sacred time of prayer. The crèche below the altar was handmade by parishioner Barton Lee for this event, making the one-of-a-kind piece an even more special addition to the moment.

The voices of the St. Lawrence choir filled the church as all prayed and adored the King of Kings—our God, who came down from heaven to earth and made Himself small and fragile so He could dwell among us and bring salvation to humanity, so that we may one day join Him in the heavenly kingdom.

After the event ended, those in attendance reflected on how their hearts were moved.

“Fr. Chuck started the night out with the perfect thoughts to ponder,” said Martha Shaffer, parishioner at St. Lawrence. “We belong to a perfect family, that of the Holy Trinity and that of the Holy Family of Mary, Joseph, and precious Jesus in our hearts. The evening adoration of the Eucharist, displayed with candles lit on the stairs surrounding the beautiful empty manger full of straw, gave us all a chance to truly meditate on Advent as we wait to celebrate the day Jesus came and dwelt among us.”

Many said they were moved to tears by the scene and this intimate moment with our Lord, recalling His birth and the vulnerability of Mary and St. Joseph as they endured the first Christmas.