Dear Parents/Guardians,

In one of my previous Take Home Tuesday newsletters, I shared with you the “Schedule of Events for December” because there is so much going on in the school. And for good reason – it is the season of starting on Sunday, December 3rd, and lasting through Eve. Why is Advent such a big deal?

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word meaning “coming.” As Fr. Grewe mentioned in this month’s The Cathedral Chimes (attached), “Advent is a time of anticipation, of waiting and longing. As the Cathedral community, far and wide, we come together to celebrate the birth of our Lord. Imagine how that will be, all of us joining our hearts in this anticipation and preparation, and then in the celebration at Christmas!”

The season of Advent has many Catholic traditions that families and schools can participate in to help live Advent and Christmas to the fullest. Advent wreaths are probably one of the most recognized customs and one that we at St. Cecilia Cathedral school celebrate with our students. The wreath traditionally holds four candles (three purple and one rose) that symbolize our hope and expectation in Christ’s coming. The color purple is the penitential color used during Advent and Lent (you will see purple everywhere in church during these times). Rose is the liturgical color used on Sunday in Advent and Laetare Sunday in Lent. With each passing Sunday, we light the candles in prayerful reflection:

 The 1st Sunday of Advent candle (purple) – symbolizes Hope; reminds us that is coming  The 2nd Sunday of Advent candle (purple) – symbolizes Faith; reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s arduous journey to  The 3rd Sunday of Advent candle (purple) – symbolizes Joy; reminds us of the joy experienced with the birth of Jesus Christ  The 4th Sunday of Advent candle (rose) – symbolizes Peace; reminds us of the message of the angels

At school, we will be having our traditional services on Tuesday (December 5), Tuesday (December 12), and Monday (December 18) at 10:00 A.M. in St. Bernadette Hall. Students lead these prayer services each week and help light our own Advent Wreath in preparation for the birth of our Lord. We are blessed as a Catholic school community to be able to experience this important season together.

There are many ways in which you and your family can join in Advent traditions at home. In Michaelann Martin’s article Catholic Traditions for Advent and Christmas, the following suggestions are given: Advent wreath, the empty manger, the Jesse tree, St. Nicholas Day, the Christ candle, the Mary candle, St. Lucy cakes, the , Christmas baking, and the Blessing of the tree. Read more information on those family traditions here. It is never too late to start a new Advent or Christmas tradition in your home and it is a great way to show your child/children how you incorporate your relationship with Jesus Christ in your daily life.

God Bless You,

Mrs. Pick

Upcoming Events  November 28 - December 6: Please keep bringing non-perishable food items to school. If we reach our school goal of 3,000 items by December 6, we all earn an out of uniform day on December 7.  November 29: Progress Reports Due  December 1: 1:00 Dismissal (lunch will be served)  December 5: Advent Wreath Service @ 10:00 A.M.; Spirit Night at Chick-Fil-A @ 5-7 P.M. (see flyer attached)  December 7: SkateDaze Night @ 6-8 P.M.  December 15: Kindergarten Christmas Program @ 2:30 P.M.  December 19: All School Assembly

School Calendar

Tuesday, 11/28 Wednesday, 11/29 Thursday, 11/30 Friday, 12/1 Saturday, 12/2 **PROGRESS 7:30 and 8:15 REPORTS AM - 5th-7th All School Mass DUE** Grade Band @ 10 AM

3:15-4 PM - Chess Leadership Team 1:00 5th Gr Field Trip Club (Library) Meeting @ 3:30- PM Dismissal to Durham 4:30 PM (Library) Museum 3:15-4 PM - 3:30-4:45 PM -

Student Council 3:30-4:45 PM - 6th 4th Grade Boys Marian Tutors Mtg (Rm 307) Grade Girls Bball Bball Practice @ 3:30-4:30 Practice PM (Library) 4:45-6 PM - 5th Mass @ 5:30

3:30-4:45 PM - 4th 4-5 PM - Ms. Grade Boys Bball PM (Cathedral) 6th Gr G Bball Grade Boys Bball Gaule Spanish Practice Practice @ 3:30- Practice Tutoring (Library) 4:45 PM 6-7 PM - 8th

7-8:30 PM - 5-6:30 PM - 3rd Grade Girls Bball 3rd/4th Gr G 7th/8th Grade Boys Grade Boys Bball Practice Bball Practice Bball Practice Practice @ 6:15-7:45 PM 7-8:30 PM - 6:45-8:15 PM - 6th 7th/8th Grade Grade Boys Bball Boys Bball Practice Practice