The Weekly Update #4

The Church begins a new year. Our liturgical calendar begins anew with the season of Advent. The USCCB ( United States Council of Catholic Bishops) define this time for us.

Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. ( USCCB webisite)

The question for all of us this Advent season is: How will we prepare? How will we personally engage to grow closer to Christ, and how will we invite our family and friends to journey with us toward our Savior?

With the excitement of the season, it’s easy to focus on preparations like decorating our homes, purchasing gifts, planning meals, hosting gatherings, and celebrating cherished traditions. Yet Advent calls us to pause and reflect on how we will deepen our faith and truly embrace the joy of these activities as they point to the greatest gift—Jesus Christ.

This Advent, let us dedicate as much energy to nurturing our spiritual growth as we do to the many tasks and celebrations of the season. A few simple ways to begin include placing an Advent wreath in your home, following an Advent calendar, setting aside time for prayer and reflection, meditating on Scripture readings, or participating in fasting, confession, and parish activities.

Let us make Advent not only visible in our school and homes but also evident in our hearts and actions as we prepare to welcome Christ with renewed faith. May the themes of Advent resonate in our hearts : hope, peace, joy and love.

In Christ,

Mrs. Ana E. Gomez, M.Ed.

Our Student Council and Choir will host a first ever Parent's Night Out. Students will participate in age-appropriate fun activties. A Google sign-up form will be sent via email to our families. There will be a limit of students allowed to particpate so this will be on a first come, first serve basis. Fee will be collected via FACTS.

Thank you!

Full menu for December will be emailed this week. Thank you for patience,

Kindness is a virtue our school community promotes and encourages day in and day out. Our words and actions must be kind to our family members, friends but also to our classmates, community members,neighbors and strangers we meet along the way.

This academic year, we will bring back a new Kindness Shirt. The Student Council will sponsor this project. In previous years, we showcased a special t-shirt to promote and encourage kindness. This will allow us to center our week and commit to kindness during the school day and beyond. Students will be allowed to wear their t-shirts on Mondays with a uniform bottom.

The order will remain open until March. A Google form is below for families for those who wish to purchase. The cost of each shirt will be $20. Orders will be placed in batches of a minimum of 25.

May we all remember to be kind, be kind, be kind.

Our school community was excited to present the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award to Tino Villarreal, Class of 1993. His good works in the community and beyond are firm in the values and spirit of St. Mary's. Saints Forever!

Our 1st and 3rd grade students had fun learning about the tradition of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. An interdiscipilnary lesson and activty, teachers and students had fun learning and expressing their creativity.

Our annual thanksgiving feast was a good time. We thank our parent volunteers who supported our event and made it so special.

Our Style Show - World Wide Tour 2024 was a big success. Our students were shining stars on the stage. Their smiles and energy were incredible. Everyone had a fabulous time.

Our Cheer Team particpated in a competition on November 23rd. They brought home a 3rd place trophy in a fierce competition. Well done!