By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

If you walk across Maris Grove’s campus, you’ll see wreaths, decorated trees, and twinkling lights. You’ll hear choruses singing carols and practicing hymns. But it’s the Maris Grove residents practicing their faiths and exhibiting a true sense of community that stands out most this holiday season.

"We have a very spiritual and friendly community here," Retirement Counselor Julieann Brant says. "But that is certainly amplified during this holiday season. Everyone seems to be in the spirit. You can’t go very far without running into a smiling face and being reminded that the holidays are upon us."

At the heart of it all
Director of Residence Life Marie DiCostanza says, "We’ll have all of the traditional holiday things going on around campus—but the community’s new chapel will definitely be the center of most of the activity during December. Our residents realize that a person’s spiritual life is one of the most crucial aspects of a healthy lifestyle. It keeps us inspired, grounded, and focused on the most important things in life.

"During the holiday season, Maris Grove will continue to hold religious services and prayer groups in the community’s chapel. We’ll be offering something for everyone, no matter their faith," she says. The full schedule of holiday activities and services can be found at the Pastoral Ministries office, at each clubhouse’s information desk, and on the community bulletin boards around campus.

Symbols of faith
In addition to each resident’s own decorations, symbols of faith and community will be on display in front of the chapel. Protestant and Catholic residents are working together to set up a traditional crèche scene.

Joe Costa, a member of the community’s Catholic Council says, "It’s just something small that we thought all members of the Christian faiths could appreciate during the holidays. We all have our own faiths and respect our neighbors of all religions—it’s one of the things that makes living here so special."