By Mary Lynn van Dijk

22 December 2019 was the fourth Sunday of Advent, and the day the FCC Gouda held its last mass for the year at the Sintjosefskerk on Aalberseplein 2.

Father Marcel, who’d been in Africa last year, proved to be a very capable emcee (master of ceremonies). After a brief welcome, he invited everyone to have a cup or two of coffee or tea and some baked goodies.

After everyone was refreshed, it was time for Stephanie de Jong to sing along to “Last Christmas” by Wham.

Then the FCC Gouda dance group – with Luz van Starre, Elpi de Clerq, Christy Seno, Marietta Boswinkel and Marivic Adema – entertained everyone with their red Christmas outfits and dance.

Father Marcel then called for Elpi, dressed as Mama Santa, to come in front and distribute gifts to the children, with a large dash of humor that had everyone laughing.

Then came the first game, the Trip to Jerusalem, or Musical Chairs, for the children, with the child who failed to get a seat when the music stopped being eliminated. Each child received a consolation prize but Dirk van Rijn prevailed and with his proud parents, posed for a photo with Elpi and Father Marcel, and his prize.

Then it was time for the adults to play the same game. After a few very exciting elimination rounds, Myra Zymelka-Colis, who with quick thinking, and very good timing, managed to sit on the last chair, and won the prize.

Gifts of appreciation to the (male) volunteers were handed out by Maryjane Streefland: to Teun Blanken, for being our koster and our staunch defender on those occasions when the Dutch church group meets; to Piet Hoogendoorn, who is always behind the counter, ready with cutlery and plates to use at each of our after-Mass eating occasions; Martin Streefland, always ready to provide us with liquid refreshments, and who was also rewarded with a kiss from his loving wife, Maryjane; and to Arjan Camfferman, who has supported us by allowing us to use his audio equipment at every occasion we needed it. And last, but not the least, to Father Marcel, for his hard work and dedication to our spiritual needs as a group. Tony Farma, and Noriel Santiago, respectively, our guitarist and pianist, already received their gifts of appreciation during the Mass.

Pascal Kroeze was our disc-jockey for the evening, and when he played music from Saturday Night Fever, he got (almost) everyone to go to the dance floor and groove.  Eve Donaire took photographs and filmed some of the dancing which was pretty good.

The highlight of the evening was the Manita-Manito, the Filipino version of Secret Santa. All those who had picked out names gathered in a circle, sang and swayed to the “I love my Manita, yes, I do” song with the gift giver presenting his/her gift to his/her Manita/Manito at the end of the song.

This was followed by another dance by the FCC Gouda dance group in their green elves’ outfits.  And more dancing by the rest of the group followed, to some Latin music.

Everyone could say that it was a wonderful evening, and that everyone is looking forward to a similar event in 2020.

Merry Christmas to all and wishing and hoping that 2020 will be a great year for the FCC Gouda and for each of us.

FCC-Gouda dance group in action

On featured photo above: Most of the FCC Gouda members singing Christmas songs with the beautiful Christmas wall decorations created by Marivic Adema and Luz van Starre.