Published: November 02, 2009 08:10 am      

Natalie Cole returning to St. Mark for concerts

St. Mark Catholic Church had planned to host singer Patti Labelle for a Christmas concert this year, but unforeseen circumstances have forced a cancellation, according to the Rev. Jim Sichko, the pastor.

“We are thrilled, however, that Natalie Cole has graciously agreed to perform two concerts Saturday, Dec. 5,” he said.

The concerts, “An Unforgettable Christmas,” will take place in the church, 608 W. Main St., at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“The evening show will be a VIP event,” said the priest, known to his parishioners as Father Jim.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have an artist of Miss Cole’s caliber returning for our Christmas concerts,” Sichko said.

Cole gave a benefit concert at the church in December, 2007.

Those who had purchased tickets for the Patti Labelle concert were notified by letter of the change and will receive a full refund if they choose not to attend the Natalie Cole concert, Sichko said.

Tickets for Natalie Cole’s 3 p.m. show can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets for the 7 p.m. show, call St. Mark at 623-2989.

Proceeds from the concerts benefit St. Mark Catholic School and the St. Peter Claver Building Project.

“Since Miss Cole’s first performance in 2007 — which was, indeed, incredible, she’s taken a real interest in the St. Mark community,” Sichko said.

“Her friendship and her willingness to answer the call to sing for us are truly treasured by all who have had the great pleasure to know her,” he said. “We feel our prayers were answered when she received the kidney transplant that saved her life.”

The concert is a continuation of St. Mark’s “Evening with Friends” fundraising series. It has brought some of the nation’s best known entertainers to Richmond, including Regis Philbin, Bill Cosby, Martin Short and Dolly Parton.

The series stems from the belief that St. Mark, as a church, is called to improve the quality of life in its community and to give back from what it has received, Sichko said.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.