RUMFORD – The St. Athanasius St. John’s Catholic Church choir will present a program of Christmas carols prior to the celebration of Mass on Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24, at 6:40 p.m. and again on Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25, at 9:40 a.m.

The carols will also be repeated the following Sunday, Dec. 30, at 9:10 a.m. The choir consists of members ranging in age from teenagers to senior citizens. Mark Belanger has been with the choir for 27 years as choir director and organist.

This year the program will include Carolyn Bennett on cello, Evan Belanger on trumpet and Peter Puiia on bass guitar.

The program consists of English, French, Austrian, German and Slovakian carols. The last song in the pre-Mass celebration is the traditional “O Holy Night” with soloists, Frank Diconzo and Arthur Boivin. The choir will sing Mozart’s “12th Mass.”

A duet by Lucille and Mark Belanger will be featured in the Benedectus. Another long standing tradition is the choir’s rendition of “Joy to the World” at the end of Mass.