The Joy of Christmas! returns to Corpus Christi Cathedral

The Cathedral Concert Series will present three performances of "The JOY of Christmas!" at Corpus Christi Cathedral, located on the corner of Lipan and Upper North Broadway Streets. Performances will be presented Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 2.p.m.

The pageant, with a cast of more than 300 local Coastal Bend residents, will showcase the choirs of Corpus Christi Cathedral in a selection of holiday music that "will delight the audience no matter what age," choir director Lee Gwozdz said.

"The Cathedral will be filled with music to complete your holiday season, concluding with the fully staged and magically costumed pageant of 'The JOY of Christmas,' ­ a re-enactment of the timeless Christmas story including angels, shepherds, lambs and the three magi," Gwozdz said.

Chrisi Carter, a native of Portland, will choreograph the interpretive movement provided by the Corps de Cathedral Liturgical Movement Ensemble. Directed and staged by Gwozdz and Guadalupe Rivera Jr., with coordination of the production by Rachael and Daniel Vasquez, this event features members of the Corps de Cathedral, Cathedral Pontifical Chorale, Youth Chorale, Cathedral Choristers, Cherub Choir and members from the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra.

Seating passes for $3 each are available for general seating by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope or by coming to the Music Office at 505 North Upper Broadway. VIP passes and performance passes are required for the VIP section. A free will offering will be accepted at each performance. For seating passes call (361) 888-7444.