For a gentler welcome to the new year here is an article from the San Mateo Times titled "Gala to be spiritual instead of spirited"
BURLINGAME They'll sing "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight, but that's the closest they'll come to a traditional New Year's celebration at the Mercy Center in Burlingame. Instead of ringing in 2006 with noisemakers and party hats, this group is taking a much quieter approach to the holiday, with a candlelight vigil and prayers. "Those who come appreciate very much having a chance to be quiet, to reflect back over the year, to gather with people who are doing the same thing," said Sister Mary Ann Scofield, one of the organizers of the annual event. The center has hosted a New Year's vigil for about 20 years, she said. It's always free and open to any adult, regardless of religious faith, although the center is rooted in Catholicism. The vigil is more about finding inner peace than having a good time. But the people who attend say they wouldn't want to be anywhere else. "In some ways, doing this kind of helps me feel more connected to the world than being at a party," said longtime participant Catherine Regan of San Francisco. "It's a wonderful way to see out the old year and see in the new.".
During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the vigil offers a chance to slow down the pace for Regan, a psychologist, and her husband, Tim Regan, a lawyer. Participants will gather in a chapel bathed in candlelight to reflect on what has happened in the world and their lives in the past year. The dramatic "reading of the headlines" is factual and not political, Regan said. Then they will take time to look forward to the coming year and contemplate their spiritual goals. Afterward, they will break up into small groups to share what they've learned. There will be music, readings, prayer and an 11:30 p.m. mass. At midnight, they sign "Auld Lang Syne" and share food they have brought. Anywhere from 75 to 100 people from all faiths and walks of life usually attend the vigil. In past years, some people came to the event dressed as though they were going to a cocktail party and skipped out before midnight. That's fine with Scofield, she said. "We're just happy to have them here," she said.
The New Year's Eve vigil begins at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Mercy Center, 2300 Adleine Dr., in Burlingame. All are welcome
- Written by Fiona
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