The Christmas Display opens Saturday November 30th at 6:30 p.m. Weather permitting, the opening night Procession will begin at Fordham Way and Hillcrest Ave. down Hillcrest Ave. to Deacon Dave’s residence (The House of the Dove) for the opening ceremonies
Hours for the Display beginning November 30th :
Sunday thru Thursday: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The week after Christmas until New Year’s night
The display will close at 9:00 p.m.
Casa del Pomba News Bulletin
(House of the Dove)
Deacon Dave’s Christmas Display
41st Anniversary
September 3, 2024
41st Grand Opening:
The Christmas Display opens Saturday November 30th at 6:30 p.m. Weather permitting, the opening night Procession will begin at Fordham Way and Hillcrest Ave. down Hillcrest Ave. to
Deacon Dave’s residence (The House of the Dove,) for the opening ceremonies.
Hours for the Display beginning November 30th :
Sunday thru Thursday: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The week after Christmas until New Year’s night
The display will close at 9:00 p.m.
Deacon Dave’s Website:
PLEASE NOTE: THE DISPLAY SUBJECT TO CLOSE DUE TO HEAVY RAIN OR HIGH WINDS.
WE ARE SORRY BUT PUBLIC RESTROOMS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.
Is there a fee to enter the Christmas Display?
Entry is FREE. We do reserve the right to refuse entry.
There is a donation box by the front door for Deacon Dave’s Charity. A dollar goes a long way.
Venmo is now available by popular request.
The Coin Toss money raised goes to Deacon’s Charity, Santa’s Secret Service Ministry for helping to purchase gifts for those in Care Centers, V.A. Home in Livermore, Dominican Sisters Infirmary for elderly nuns, Holy Family Infirmary for elderly nuns, and Homeless Center.
Those entering are not required to make donation. The Display Entry is Free.
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT:
Deacon Dave’s Christmas Display is a contender on “The Great Light Fight” TV program.
Deacon has always maintained that he and the team are not doing the display for competition. Deacon finally agreed to be a contender on the show. The TV program will be televised this December. Deacon Dave and Team are hoping that the TV program inspires more folks to put up Christmas displays.
Last year’s Light Count:
875,850
Last year’s theme:
Christmas through the eyes of a child
Deacon Dave’s first display was 1982:
That would make this year the 42nd year. However, in 2020 due to Covid, the Deacon did not have a display. So, this year is the 41st Christmas Display. In 1982 Deacon Dave and a Livermore High School student by the name of David Graber, built the very first Christmas Display. The display theme was “Elf Village” which consisted of a miniature Christmas Elf Village with tiny buildings in the driveway. The buildings were not larger than 3 to 4 feet tall and each painted in a bright color with garland and lights. A whopping 2000 Christmas Lights brighten the gardens. In those days we used hammers and nails and hand saws. No Power Tools. Times have changed in that only Power Tools, Screws and Power Saws are used. Not one nail is used.
Who are the people wearing Red Jackets and or Red Caps with the White Dove and emblem of the “House of the Dove?
Those wearing the Red Caps and or Red Jackets are the volunteers who are a very important part of Deacon Dave’s Christmas Team. They are available to answer questions, provide limited security, assist with the lines, control the entry & exit gates, monitor crowds, assist in keeping visitors out of the street and inside the barriers, observe and report. The volunteers all have hand held radio communication. The Deacon is most grateful to have such a wonderful team. Without them there would be no display. The volunteer team is composed of people from all walks of life and various religious denominations. Deacon Dave is most grateful for their loyal volunteer service.
Who is Deacon Dave:
This is a common question asked every year. In the Catholic Church there are 3 orders of clergy. Deacon, Priest and Bishop. Deacon Dave is a member of the clergy. He is a Permanent Deacon, ordained in 1982 by Bishop John S. Cummins, Bishop of the Diocese of Oakland. Bishop Cummins is now retired. Deacon is a 4thgeneration Livermore resident. Deacon Dave’s “House of the Dove” is his private residence. Upon his Ordination, he dedicated his home and property to the Holy Spirit. One of the many symbols of the Holy Spirit is the “Dove.” There has always been one dove consecrated to God. There are live doves in aviaries in the back meditation gardens.
The Rev. Deacon has been involved in many different ministries over the years. He was the Bishop’s Representative & Director of Deacon Personnel for 23 years 7 months and 3 days. But who is counting. He retired from that position several years ago. He has been assigned to St. Michael Roman Catholic Church since 1982. Deacon is currently the Chaplain of the Y.L.I. Livermore Institute # 44. He is also the Secretary General of Santa’s Secret Service out of St. Michael’s, soliciting Christmas Gifts for those in Care Centers.
Security Cameras:
The public should be aware that 24-hour security cameras are in operation year-round, with back up electrical systems in place should the power ever go out.
The Famous Proposal Bridge:
As of Last Christmas, there have been over 82 Marriage Proposals on the famous bridge under the Christmas Lights. Some years there are NO proposals, other years there have been from one to as many as 4. Proposals on the Bridge make for a lasting memory.
Neighbors:
We ask that our visitors to the Display respect our neighbors property by staying on the sidewalks and off the lawns and gardens. Parents, please control your children. There are trash receptacles located at the entry and exit gates of the display. Please do NOT LITTER the streets. The Deacon and his team thank you.
What is a Deacon?
Surprising, but that question is often asked. A Deacon in the Catholic Church is one of the three Holy Orders of: Deacon, Priest and Bishop. All three are members of the clergy. Each order has specific duties. All three orders proclaim the Gospel message.
Deacons may be married if married prior to their entry into the formation and study programs. Should their wife pass into eternal life, the deacon may not remarry. If a deacon is not married prior to his ordination, he may not ever marry as in the case of Deacon Dave. Deacon, Priest and Bishop are ordained for life even if they retire. Deacons may live in their own residence and not in a rectory. They may own businesses, work in the labor force and in general live in the community. Permanent Deacons are assigned to the various parishes in the Diocese by the Bishop. A deacon may preach at mass, baptize, officiate (preside) at marriages, preside at memorial and wake services, lead at prayer services, visit the sick, bless religious objects, give blessings to people, take Viaticum to the dying, assist the priest at mass at the altar, distribute Holy Communion, minister to the poor, and be on various parish committees.
St. Stephen, St. Lawrence and St. Francis of Assisi are three of the more commonly known deacons of the church.
Deacons do not consecrate the Eucharist at mass. They do not hear confession and give absolution.
Christmas Light Crew:
Ramiro and Ari Ortiz have led the light crew for many years. Many Light Crew team members have been part of the team for many years. They do an outstand job in light placement.
What are the least crowded nights to visit the display?
Monday and Tuesday nights are usually the least crowded. As it gets closer to Christmas,
All nights are crowded.
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!