Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 

University of St. Thomas, Chapel of Thomas Aquinas   

or https://www.youtube.com/@catholicschoolscenterofexc2804/featured

New Christmas by Candlelight Concert to be performed by 9 schools across MN  

250+ K-8th grade students from across Minnesota to perform in concert with members of the St. Thomas Liturgical Choir hosted by Catholic Schools Center of Excellence. 

WHAT: Christmas by Candlelight: A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a brand-new Advent celebration bringing together nine Catholic school choirs from across Minnesota for an evening of Scripture, sacred music, and community. Hosted at the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, this one-of-a-kind event blends the voices of Catholic elementary and middle school students with members the University of St. Thomas Liturgical Choir in one of the Twin Cities’ most beautiful sacred spaces. This gathering is hosted by Catholic Schools Center of Excellence (CSCOE) in partnership with the University of St. Thomas. 

WHY: CSCOE’s innovative programs have been a game-changer in Catholic schools statewide. Each participating school receives a $1,000 music grant to celebrate and strengthen its music program. The evening also honors Catholic school music educators for their dedication and excellence. 

VISUALS: Stunning candlelit chapel scenes at the University of St. Thomas; Performances by more than 250+ Catholic school students 

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025; performance begins at 7 p.m. 

WHERE: 

University of St. Thomas, Chapel of Thomas Aquinas  

2115 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS: 

·         Ave Maria Academy, Maple Grove 

·         St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Brooklyn Park  

·         Pacelli Catholic School, Austin 

·         St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Buffalo  

·         Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Marshall  

·         St. Helena Catholic School, Minneapolis  

·         Faithful Shepherd Catholic School, Eagan  

·         St. Therese Catholic School, Deephaven  

·         Mary of Lourdes Catholic School, Little Falls  

CSCOE is an innovative nonprofit that works with Catholic schools to enhance excellence and increase enrollment in Minnesota’s 151 preschool through eighth grade Catholic schools, serving 35,000+ students. 

MEDIA CONTACT:  

Tracy Gilbert, Brand Director, CSCOE 

612-749-9746 (mobile) / tracygilbert@cscoe-mn.org