Photo courtesy of Amara Peterson Photography The Holy Redeemer choir performs at the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence’s Christmas by Candlelight concert Dec. 4 at University of St. Thomas.

MARSHALL — Holy Redeemer Catholic School was selected as one of nine Minnesota schools to perform at the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence’s (CSCOE) Christmas by Candlelight concert last Thursday in Minneapolis at the University of St. Thomas.

Holy Redeemer’s fifth to eighth grade choir made the trip to the cities, directed by choir director Anna Lenz.

“Last night was a breathtaking celebration of Advent, faith, and the power of music in our Catholic schools, and wow, did our students shine,” CSCOE posted on social media after the concert.

According to a news release, over 250 kindergarten through eighth grade students participated in the event, and was attended by more than 500 people.

“We are so grateful to CSCOE for taking such wonderful care of us from start to finish … Their hospitality and attention to every detail made the day so special for our students and staff,” Holy Redeemer wrote on social media following the show. “Our choir, directed by Mrs. Lenz and accompanied by Annie Deutz, gave a spectacular performance that truly filled the chapel with Christmas joy.”

Other schools selected to participate in the concert came from Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Austin, Little Falls, Deephaven and more.

“Christmas by Candlelight: A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a brand-new Advent celebration bringing together nine Catholic school choirs from across Minnesota for an evening of Scripture, sacred music and community,” the news release states. “Hosted at the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, this one-of-a-kind event blends the voices of Catholic elementary and middle school students with members the University of St. Thomas Liturgical Choir in one of the Twin Cities’ most beautiful sacred spaces.”

CSCOE is a nonprofit organization that supports all preschool to eighth grade Catholic Minnesota schools, working to enhance excellence, invest in professional development and increase enrollment.

Also according to the news release, each of the nine participating schools from the concert received a $1,000 music grant to help support and strengthen the music program.

The concert ended with students and all in attendance collectively singing “Joy to the World,” to add to the memorable night, which was also sold out.