Waitlist Only as of 12/5!

We have reached maximum space capacity for the book party. Complete the Waitlist form.

The CIC invites DC-area kids and parents to our family-friendly Advent party on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 am-noon. A 9:00 am family Mass will be offered as well, followed by a snack time for the children and coffee break for moms and dads.

We will be joined by children’s book author Michelle “Shelli” Widmer-Schultz, illustrator Andrea Pavlat, and Shelli’s too-tall Swiss guard husband, Andreas.

Shelli Widmer-Schultz will kick the morning off with a reading of The Too-Tall Swiss Guard, followed by the CIC’s Family Day Advent party with crafts, food, and fun—and an appearance by Andreas, the real too-tall Swiss Guard. During the party, parents will also have the special opportunity to buy the book and chat with the author and the Swiss Guard. You are also welcome to shop from our array of Christmas gifts at the CIC’s bookstore.

The CIC is located at 1501 K Street, NW. Please note that the CIC building’s garage is closed on Saturday mornings, but street parking is available or use an app like Spothero to locate open garages.

12/7 Schedule:

• 8:40 am: Doors open for check-in
• 9:00 am: Family Mass
• After Mass: Snack and coffee break for kids and parents
• 10:00 am: The Too-Tall Swiss Guard Advent Book Party kicks off with the author’s reading of the story
• Noon: Party concludes

About the Shelli Widmer’s Book:

Andreas was a new Swiss Guard, and he was proud to be one of the soldiers who kept the pope safe in Vatican City. He was also very tall. From riding in small cars to crossing busy streets and even getting his uniform properly fitted, life in Rome was a big adjustment for Andreas. He felt lonely, out of place, and just too tall.

On Christmas Eve, Andreas was sad. This was his first Christmas away from his home in Switzerland, and he missed his family. But that all changed after a surprise meeting with Pope John Paul II, whose kindness filled Andreas with joy!

Based on a true story, The Too-Tall Swiss Guard is a timeless tale with awe-inspiring illustrations of the Swiss Guard, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Eternal City that teaches children about courage, generosity, and trusting in God. As readers journey with Andreas, they see how God created each person and all our unique traits for a purpose.