“Come Lord Jesus…Come and be born in our hearts”
It’s beginning to look a lot like Advent! The holy season of Advent begins this Sunday. How blessed we are to have this time within the church year to wait and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. We use many signs and symbols at school to remind us that the coming of Christmas is much more than gifts under the tree… it is about the gift of Jesus himself. Please be sure to ask your children what they have learned about Advent through the Advent Wreath, Advent calendar, the Jesse Tree or other symbols they may be using in their classrooms!
Advent Feast Days
December 6th is the feast day of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, which appropriately falls during the Advent season. This feast day is an especially exciting one for children as they count down the days on their Advent calendars in anticipation of Christmas day.
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/celebrate-at-home/
December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. In teaching that Mary was conceived immaculate, the Catholic Church teaches that from the very moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was free from all stain of original sin. The school mass will be celebrated Friday, December 8th for the holy day of obligation.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=632
December 12th is the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, unborn children, and the New Evangelization. Our Lady of Guadalupe is unlike any other apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. First, it is the only apparition where Our Lady left a miraculous image of herself unmade by human hands. Second, it is the only universally venerated Madonna and Child image where Our Lady appears pregnant instead of holding the Infant Jesus.
Santa’s Workshop
Santa’s Workshop will be held on Thursday, December 7th. The PTO sponsored event features craft vendors with items for students to purchase as Christmas presents for loved ones. Most items are under $5.00 and many items are under $2.00. Complete details can be found on the attached shopping list.
It is a fun-filled day that brings a lot of joy to the students and those who help them. If you have not already volunteered to help that day, please consider joining us. Help in wrapping presents is especially needed on Thursday. Please complete and return the attached form or contact Lisa Miller (LisaLou55522@aol.com).
THERE IS NO HOT LUNCH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7th DUE TO SANTA’S WORKSHOP.
Christmas Concert and Art Showcase
We will have the opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit at the annual Christmas Concert. This year features a “Greatest Hits: Christmas Edition” theme. The performing classes are grades K, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Additionally, students in these grades will have selected art work displayed in the school. The concert will be Thursday, December 14th beginning at 6:00 pm in the gym. Artwork may be viewed in the first floor hallway following the concert. Please plan to join us. More details from Mr. Kempf will be forthcoming.
Weather Delays and Closings
Please remember that St. Benedict School follows the Toledo Public School District’s (TPS) and/or Toledo Catholic Schools announcements regarding weather delays and cancellations. The local news networks are the best source for announcements and updates. If in doubt, tune in to your local station.
Benedict Facebook Page
Our Facebook page is a great place for reminders, PTO info, event updates and for parents and teachers to share what’s happening in the school. If you haven’t liked our page yet, please go to www.facebook.com/stbenedicttoledo.
Another reminder…. PLEASE RETURN THE EMPTY THURSDAY ENVELOPE EACH WEEK. WE REUSE THEM AND IT SAVES $$$$$$$!
Upcoming dates:
Fri. Dec 1 Spirit Day
Sat. Dec 2 Catholic High School Placement Tests
Dec 2-3 First Sunday of Advent
Tues. Dec 5 Quiz Bowl @ St. Joseph, Sylvania
Central Catholic Glee Club Performance @ 9:45 in the gym
Wed. Dec 6 St. Nicholas Day
Fri. Dec 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception – School Mass @ 8:15
Thurs. Dec 14 Christmas Concert 6:00 in the gym (Art Show follows)
FINAL THOUGHT: We pray that our hearts be still during the Advent season to prepare for the coming of our Savior.
ST. BENEDICT SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
United in Community, in partnership with families, guided by the message of St. Benedict,
God calls us to LIVE, LEARN, and LOVE.