Photos by Peter Julian

The School of Theology and Ministry celebrated the arrival of Advent season with its annual Lessons and Carols Service at St. Ignatius Church. Andrew Davis, an associate professor at the school, and his wife, Emily MDiv ’03, a campus minister at the College of the Holy Cross, co-led the prayers; students and alumni comprised the schola—choristers—for the service.

Member of the choir

This year marked a departure from previous years, when the School of Theology and Ministry held the service—which originated in the Anglican Church in the late 19th and early 20th century—as part of its regular daytime Thursday liturgy.

Davis said he and his wife were especially pleased to have a role in the service.

“The Advent season is a time of preparation and anticipation, and Lessons and Carols invites us through word and song to reflect on the gift of Jesus we will receive at Christmas," he said. "Having the opportunity to preside with Emily was quite meaningful for us: STM, including one of its precursors, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, has played a significant role in our life together. We met at Weston Jesuit, and two years ago we renewed our wedding vows in the STM chapel.  We were honored to lead in prayer a community that has supported us over the years.”

Lessons and Carols congregation in St. Ignatius Church

The school’s 10th anniversary year added another layer of festiveness to the occasion, he added.

“One of the best parts of this year’s anniversary celebration has been seeing STM alumni at various events.  We have so many alums who are doing wonderful work in the Church and in the world. I hope our leadership at Lesson and Carols, as alumni of the school, will inspire other alums to play a role in the life of the school.”


–University Communications