Church members built scene that occupies a special place

BOARDMAN -- Jean DiVincenzo treasures the stories behind the Nativities in her collection.
She also values the story of the birth of Christ. A Nativity at St. Rose Church in Girard inspired her to propose an idea to her parish, St. Charles Church on U.S. Route 224.
A committee was formed, and members designed and constructed a Nativity scene in 1988.
"We still put it up every year," she said. "The idea affected other parishioners, and they helped out."
The faces, made of plaster of Paris, were done by a parish member, who is now deceased. The bodies were formed of chicken wire and dressed. The figures of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men and a shepherd have remained durable through the years.
At home, DiVincenzo's husband, Ron, built a smaller Nativity on the same order for their yard. It's on display every year.
Jean DiVincenzo said it was important to her to remember "the reason for the season."
"The focus is on the birth of Christ," she said.
In a nod to Dec. 25 as a birthday celebration, she assembles Rice Krispy treats into a cake shape topped with a figure of Baby Jesus. The family celebrates not only the birth of Christ but the Dec. 25 birthday of a daughter, Christine Shepas of Wayneburg, Pa. Also joining in are the couple's other daughters, Jeanne Mathey and Carrie Worner, both of Copley, and husbands.
Jean DiVincenzo said it was important to pass on such traditions and the true meaning of Christmas to their nine grandchildren.