Hello families,
Last Wednesday the fifth and sixth grade class wrapped boxes for the St. Vincent de Paul Society helping to prepare for their gift giving program. They also helped the K/1 class make individual Advent wreaths they could take home.
Each class has an Advent wreath and an Advent calendar for each family went home. Please help the younger students do good deeds at home. The younger grades were introduced to “Abel in the Stable”. Abel is a very curious donkey who is in search of the answers to Christmas. Each class will have the opportunity to hear the story of Abel and share how he shares the good news of Jesus with the students. For each good deed the students do, they can add a piece of straw to his stable.
If you are having difficulty convincing your child to give up toys still in good condition or outgrown clothes, here is a suggestion; tell the children they can pack up their things in bags and leave them under the Christmas Tree. Santa will take them back to the North Pole to brighten them up and give to children next Christmas.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples against the fatigue that can emerge if one becomes consumed by the anxieties of daily life. As you gather as a family, recall the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions in preparation for the new calendar year. Observe that today is the first Sunday of Advent, which is the beginning of the new Church year. During the season of Advent, our Gospel readings ask us to consider what is most important to us as we prepare for Jesus’ coming, at his birth and at the end of time. Read today’s Gospel, Luke 21:25-28,34-36. Jesus describes signs that may disturb many people, but he says that these should not disturb his disciples. Why? (because these signs indicate that redemption is near) What does Jesus say that his disciples should do? (Be vigilant and pray for strength.) At this start of the new Church year, consider as a family what “Advent resolutions” your family might make to help you stay focused so that you will be prepared to receive the salvation we celebrate at Jesus’ birth and anticipate at Jesus’ second coming. Pray together for God’s help in following through on these resolutions. Pray together today’s psalm, Psalm 25.
Partners in Faith,
Phyllis Chudzinski
Wednesday 12/11– 5:30 – 7pm Classes K-8 first Communion Retreat