DALLAS—The Women’s Altar Rosary Guild of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Dallas invites all to “Journey to Bethlehem” during a live Nativity program Friday, Dec. 4.

The first-time event will be held from 6-9 p.m. in the prayer gardens of the parish grounds, 680 West Memorial Drive in Dallas.

The guided tour along torch-lit paths will include the scenes of the Angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, the angel’s visit to Joseph, the visit of Mary and Elizabeth, and shepherds keeping watch. The tour concludes with the birth of our Savior and arrival of the Magi. Visitors will make the tour in groups and each will take 15 to 20 minutes.

More than 160 volunteers are teaming up to make costumes and sets with used pallets or to serve as actors from Roman soldiers to members of the heavenly choir.

“We’ve got about 73 angels right now,” said guild president Terrie Fraga.

Live animals will be used in the Nativity tour. A set of twins from the parish, along with a third baby, will take turns portraying the infant Jesus.

The organizers are aiming for an authentic versus theatrical look for the sets and costumes, said Fraga.

The event is free with donations accepted to offset costs. Tour participants can enjoy hot cocoa, singing carols and roasting marshmallows.

Artisans will display their wares in Simpson Hall Friday evening, and the market will continue Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“We hope they will visit our Christmas Market,” said Fraga.

The Red Apron Café will offer hot soups, salad, pizza and other goodies for sale.

“They can come up there straight after work,” added Fraga. “We would love for it to become a Christmas tradition.”

The Women’s Altar Rosary Guild at St. Vincent de Paul feeds the sick of the parish, provides meals following funerals and feeds priests visiting for penance services. They meet monthly to hear from speakers and pray the rosary for the unborn.

The guild members held bake sales, called “Building the Parish Kitchen … One Muffin at a Time,” over a two-year period to furnish the new kitchen with needed items.

“We have such a great group of women,” said Fraga.

She added that the entire parish community, along with pastor Father Adrian Pleus, is excited about the inaugural “Journey to Bethlehem.”