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Dear SPN families,
The first Sunday of Advent, November 27th, began the liturgical year and the four week period before Christmas. Each week of Advent has a special theme and significance. This first week we focus on HOPE. The light of the Advent wreath candle this week symbolizes how hope is a light shining in darkness. As we prepare for Christ’s birth, we reinvigorate hope in our lives, focusing on the light of Christ and the hope of salvation that he offers all His followers. The next three weeks’ themes are Peace, Love, and Joy, all deeply connected to the gifts that Jesus offered the world through his life, death, and resurrection.
For these three weeks of school prior to Christmas vacation, we have many ways to experience the fullness of Advent. Today we enjoyed the performance of the Pacific Boychoir that had been postponed. What a lovely treat to hear their beautiful voices in our Church. Each Wednesday morning at assembly, our Student Leadership Council will lead us in a special Advent prayer service. Additionally, tomorrow I will give all classes (K-3, then 4-8) an overview of what we do at Mass and why. I remember having a similar experience when I attended St. Philip Neri, and so much of that information has stayed with me and made the Mass more meaningful for me over these many years. Next Thursday, December 8th, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and we will celebrate with an all school Mass at 9:30 a.m. Then on Tuesday, December 13th, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available to students in grades 3-8. Finally, we invite you all to our Christmas Concert, O Come All Ye Faithful, on Thursday, December 15th, (7:00-8:00p.m., students to arrive by 6:30 p.m.). By December 16th, our last day of school before Christmas vacation, we should truly feel the reason for the season!
We also have two opportunities for you to give generously this season. First, please remember our Annual Fund Campaign and the class competition to get 100% participation by December 5th. All classes who reach 100% participation by Monday will receive Free Dress on Wednesday, December 14th. The first class to reach 100% will enjoy a pizza lunch and ice cream as well! Family participation is currently at 26%. Please give and help us reach our goal!
The second opportunity for giving is our Adopt-a-Family program. We will collect small gifts and gift cards for the elderly and items for a refugee family through Welcome the Stranger until December 12th. Please see details below for more information if you would like to participate.
With all of the busy-ness of this time of year, be sure to take some time to truly embrace these weeks of preparation for Christmas and to experience Hope, Peace, Love and Joy in your heart and soul.
Warmly,
Ms. Thomas
Focus on HOPE: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
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