Dear Families:

The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the Church, as well as in the home. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent, or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent.

When the blessing of the Advent Wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the family.

Advent and Lent are two special seasons in the Church calendar, and Catholics often see Advent as the “easy, happy” season, while Lent is the “tough, solemn” season. It might have something to do with the fact that during Lent we may give up sweets, fast at least twice, and do lots of almsgiving. While during Advent, we do the opposite – we eat more sweets than ever, indulge in multiple feasts, and create our Christmas gift list.

We also need to remember that Advent is a key time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Having an Advent wreath at home and setting aside a few minutes each night to light the candle(s) and reflect on the meaning of Advent and the glory of Jesus, is a great way to prepare us for the coming of Jesus Christ. This past Monday, our teachers gathered in the school lobby for Father Gary to bless all the Advent Wreaths.

The 4 Weeks of Advent

During the first two weeks of Advent we light purple candles. The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day we celebrate that our waiting for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day is almost over. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to signify joy, so we light the single pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent.

Then on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the final purple candle is lit to mark the final week of prayer and penance, as we wait expectantly for the soon-coming birth of the King of Kings.

Traditionally, each of the four Advent candles have a deeper meaning:

• The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the "Prophet’s Candle"- reminding us that Jesus is coming.
• The 2nd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the "Bethlehem Candle" - reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
• The 3rd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the "Shepherd’s Candle" - reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus.
• The 4th Sunday of Advent symbolizes Peace with the "Angel’s Candle" - reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

St. Nicholas Feast Day

Tuesday, December 6th is St. Nicholas Feast Day. That day, I will make a special announcement to the whole school explaining the special meaning of St. Nicholas and we may have a special visit from St. Nicholas himself. 

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

A week from today, on December 8, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Grades PK-8 will attend mass on this Holy Day of Obligation. 7B is in charge and all families are invited to join us at Mass at 9:00am.

Question of the Day: What is Archbishop Etienne chosen theme for Advent 2022?

The 7th person to answer the question correctly will win a Charger Card.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mr. Mike Fuerte

Principal

Donations & Drives

Parish

Dear Friends at St. Louise, 

After the biggest holiday for feasting, Thanksgiving, we begin the season of Advent. “Maranatha, come Lord Jesus” carries both joyful expectation, that Christmas is coming soon, and a reminder that we are still fighting, that the struggles of our lives are not easy. Life is both good and difficult. 

It was a great joy to see a young teenage girl gleeful at winning the black-out at the Bingo party on November 5, and also hard to see another young girl sobbing in her mother’s arms because she lost. Even a Bingo party reveals the drama of life. The message of Advent is that The Kingdom of God is already here … but not yet. 

I recently met with a couple who were worried and conflicted with their son. On a retreat last year they had heard a priest say, “If we stay close to Jesus, we know that the victory is already won – but the path to that victory is hard!” This couple shared with me how their young adult son has struggled with depression, even more so since the pandemic. 

. . .

Blessings to all of you in this Advent Season! 

Fr. Gary Zender

"I must have great trust in God and believe that His grace will be sufficient to enable me to fulfill His holy will, however difficult it may appear to be, provided the Holy Spirit is truly calling me. I shall know this by listening to the advice which He will permit me to receive."

— St. Louise de Marillac

KA Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Feast.

Getting ready for Thanksgiving!

4th Grade Cow Eye Dissection

Mr. Fuerte with some of the 3rd graders enjoying the snow!

Widodo Karli Family

Antezana Garvizu Family