There was a time, admits Maria Taylor, when she would have been afraid to stand at a microphone and sing in front of a crowd. Thanks to her own deep faith, her supportive family and the encouragement of parishioners and staff at St. John Fisher Church in Newtown, Taylor now …

By John Stegeman As children and adults watch the closing moments of the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, they’ll see a 30-foot tall Christmas tree full of happy, singing faces from all over the U.S. Among the singers will be McNicholas High School graduate and Guardian Angels parishioner Kayla Woods. …