No, Holyrood and St Teilo's Catholic Church are not about to burst into song (although they can be in fine voice when the mood takes them!) but as an antidote to the more familiar practices of Hallowe'en a group of mums and dads and their children decided to hold a 'Come as your favourite Saint' party.
Such parties are not unknown throughout Great Britain, but this was a first for Holyrood and St. Teilo's Catholic Church. And what a party!
As you can see from the photograph, not only was there a good gathering of children, ably supported by their parents and other parishioners, but the ingenuity and imagination of the children was something to behold. From St. George to St. Francis, from St. Bernardette of Lourdes and Our Blessed Mother herself, the costumes of the children told a story of some of the great people, many of whom in the Christian tradition, gave up riches (and sometimes their lives) to follow Christ's gospel and care for the poor and less fortunate in their respective societies.
The children had a great time in researching their favourite Saint, learning something about their lives and the way they lived their faith, and it was difficult to pick the best dressed 'Saint,' the joint winners being Sara and Zac as St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Joseph, husband of Our Lady.
However, all the 'Saints' looked good in their costumes and were congratulated for their efforts.
Although it was great fun for the children, the parents were making a serious point in holding a 'Come as a Saint Party,' especially in the context of recent media attention of old people being either abused or frightened in their own homes by those who were a little more malevolent with their 'Trick or Treat' antics. And it gave the children an opportunity to examine and proclaim their Catholic heritage. As well as having a great party, which even the adults enjoyed!