The hoopla was over. Santa Claus had come and gone, and the holiday once again belonged to Jesus.

Eight Catholic churches in Scott and Cape Girardeau counties hosted a tour Friday evening, a time for quiet reflection and an occasion to remember the reason for celebrating Christmas.

St. Vincent de Paul Church, Cape Girardeau

Visitors could begin their tour at any church, and there was no set schedule or pattern. The doors were open and people of all faiths were welcome. Jackie Griffith, chairman of the tour, pointed out that the Nativity scene at St. Lawrence in New Hamburg is new this year. St. Ann Sodality bought it, and members of the parish bought individual pieces and dedicated them in memory or honor of family members. The stable and accompanying pieces were designed and made by parishioner Cathy Blattel and New Hamburg resident Mark Sander.

Guardian Angel Church, Oran

St. Joseph Church, Scott City

Churches participating were St. Francis Xavier of Sikeston, Guardian Angel of Oran, St. Ambrose of Chaffee, St. Denis of Benton, St. Henry of Charleston, St. Joseph of Scott City, St. Lawrence (and the original log church) of New Hamburg and St. Vincent de Paul of Cape Girardeau.

lredeffer@semissourian.com

St. Denis Church, Benton, Mo.

335-6611, extension 160