The fourth annual ShineOnCass Blue Christmas Ceremony will be held on the Winter Solstice, Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Oakland Gazebo. Submitted photo
OAKLAND — The ShineOnCass Foundation plans to host its fourth annual Blue Christmas Ceremony for grieving families and friends, and those who support them, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at sunset on the Winter Solstice — the longest and darkest night of the year — at the Oakland gazebo, Old Belgrade Avenue.
Blue Christmas will feature music, speakers, and a reading of submitted names of loved ones lost and the lighting of memorial blue candles.
“Many people are acquainted with the paradox of the holiday season — a time when celebrations of peace and joy contrast sharply with the sadness and loneliness that come with loss,” said Monica Charette, founder and executive director of the ShineOnCass Foundation, in a news release. “Our hope is to bring people together, both bereaved families and individuals, and those who can support them, to offer a comforting space where everyone feels less alone.”
In addition to the ceremony, the evening will also feature local musician Will McPherson and the return of award-winning country recording artist Joan Kennedy, and her daughter Grace, who will perform “Candle in the Window” and other selections. The event is free.
Charette said the idea to host a community Blue Christmas Ceremony came from a gathering organized by her friends after the death of her 17-year-old daughter Cassidy Charette 10 years ago. Cass, for whom the ShineOnCass Foundation was created to honor, was a Messalonskee High School student and longtime community volunteer.
Anyone can participate in the ceremony by sharing their loved ones’ names being remembered and receive a blue candle to light at the ceremony. People are also welcome to attend in silent remembrance and offer support to others.
To complete the form, visit Blue Christmas at shineoncass.org. The deadline to submit names is Friday, Dec. 20. To participate via livestream, follow the ShineOnCass Facebook page. In case of inclement weather, Blue Christmas will be held Sunday, Dec. 22.
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