‘Sounds of the Season’ to benefit ‘Keep the Heat On’

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PROVIDENCE — As Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s “Keep the Heat On” fuel program begins its 18th season, Msgr. Anthony Mancini is planning to hold another Christmas concert to raise funds for the diocesan outreach program that provides heating assistance to those in dire need.
Msgr. Mancini, rector of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul and conductor of its Gregorian Concert Choir, will conduct “Sounds of the Season,” a concert featuring music of Advent and Christmas, on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul.
“We’ve raised a considerable amount of money, sometimes between $8,000 and $10,000, for fuel assistance,” at each of the annual concerts he’s conducted to benefit “Keep the Heat On,” Msgr. Mancini said.
“It’s also an opportunity for people to come to the cathedral to hear Christmas music, which is always a favorite. We have some carols that people like to sing along with.”
Organist Philip Faraone will be accompanied by a brass ensemble, a harpist, tympani and percussion.
“We usually get a pretty nice crowd of people, so it’s bringing people together. And in this day and age, especially after COVID, to bring people together is a great thing, especially in the cathedral, because the setting is so magnificent. It’s just a beautiful place,” Msgr. Mancini said of the event, which in previous years has drawn between 600-700 people.
Parishes across the diocese provide generous donations to meet production costs, while the ticket proceeds are used to benefit the heating assistance program.
Tickets are $10 and available at the door, or in advance at the cathedral office.
Msgr. Mancini said “Keep the Heat On” is especially helpful as fuel prices have risen so dramatically in the past year.
“It was very needed when it began and it’s even more needed now. It’s a very practical thing.”