The University of Dayton will celebrate “Christmas and Beyond” with its annual exhibit of Nativities from around the world and the installation of a new model train display built to tell the story of Jesus’ young life.

“At the Manger: Christmas and Beyond” runs from Saturday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Jan. 24, inside Roesch Library. It is free and open to the public.

New this year, a model train travels through an 18-by-12 foot display. Ten stations depict the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and childhood. Each features lights and music or a story. It begins with the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel speaks to Mary, said volunteer Phil Powers, who designed the electrical functions of the exhibit along with students from the School of Engineering. The train will be housed on the seventh floor of the library.

“The Marian Library has more than 3,000 Nativities in its collection. Every year, we draw from those to create a special theme and a unique experience,” said Kathleen Webb, dean of University Libraries. “The exhibit has become a tradition with many families and it is our gift to the community.”

At the Manger will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It will be closed for holidays on Dec. 8, 24, 25 and 31; and Jan. 1 and 18.

Students from Centerville tour Athenaeum

Eighth grade students from Incarnation Catholic School in Centerville toured Mount St. Mary’s Seminary/the Athenaeum of Ohio Nov. 24, giving students a glimpse at seminary life.

The late-November visit marked the fifth year Incarnation students made the trip down I-75 to tour the seminary.

“I really liked the chapels, especially all the detail. Everything had a meaning,” said student Jason Rosario.

The Athenaeum of Ohio is home to Mount St. Seminary of the West, which educates and trains priests for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as well as other dioceses. The Athenaeum also houses the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program and offers a variety of graduate degrees.

For more information on Incarnation’s visit or how your school can schedule a tour of the Athenaeum, click HERE.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga students execute Operation Gratitude

Students at St. Al’s School in Bridgetown sent some sweet reminders of appreciation to American troops serving overseas while celebrating and learning about Veterans Day.

The students participated in Operation Gratitude which encourages Americans to donate their excess Halloween candy to the troops. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade brought candy to school as well as toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss to send to the troops. In addition, teacher Lizzie Greene helped the students learn about veterans and their service while they made cards and letters to add to the treat boxes.

SMAC team succeeds at state

The SMAC Cross Country team, comprised students from St. Margaret of York and St. Columban parishes, won the Middle School State Championship meet at Groveport Madison High School on Oct. 25. Both boys and girls teams finished in first place.

The above briefs were compiled from information submitted to The Catholic Telegraph. To suggest a story or brief, contact the editorial team here.