Advent

Advent is a busy time at a Catholic school. In addition to the regular spiritual and academic routines we add a host of pre-Christmas activities that, at first glance, may appear exhausting and time consuming but are actually some of the most spiritually refreshing and important things we do. At Saint Joseph's School both the elementary and middle schools start each day with an Advent wreath ceremony. The traditional prayers and songs take on a powerful sense of anticipation when sung by hundreds of young voices. It sets the tone for the day and reminds us of the magnitude of the Incarnation.

Pre-school Christmas plays are both devout and endearing. When you look past the tinsel halos, cardboard wings and shepherds in bathrobes you can see how well these little children are learning the story of Christ's birth and realize they are the ones who will link this story to the next generation in a very few years. I believe the traditions of our Catholic faith are in good hands. The upper grades gave the traditional Christmas program to a packed house and it was obvious that parents and relatives never tire of this yearly ritual. It is a link to their past and their future too. Collectively and individually our students displayed a variety of musical talents.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated with an all-school Mass that left me deeply impressed with our students. They show tremendous respect at Mass and give a stirring visual impression of the future of our faith. I must confess that my mind sometimes wanders when I look at their faces and try to imagine the future religious vocations and professional careers they will pursue as they raise their families and serve the common good in Christ's name and spirit.

Before we leave for Christmas break, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a school. Visiting priests will hear confessions and help the students as they examine their consciences and seek forgiveness. The message is strong; we should approach the birthday of Christ with hearts, minds and souls that are refreshed with absolution and renewed with a desire to live a holy life. I think it is the gift Jesus really wants us to bring. Every morning when I read about some shady, misguided characters in the newspaper I wonder if they need to learn the Act of Contrition. We teach it at Saint Joseph's so tomorrow's leaders will have the proper perspective when they are running the world!

Our school staff members take on many extra duties to make all these events happen and it is a testament to their faith and vocation. In the midst of all this spiritual awareness we have continued our great academic instruction, created art, made music, attended the Nutcracker, sold wreaths, rode the Polar Express, served at Mass and even won a few ball games. Life is good at Saint Joseph's School. Perhaps that is because when Christ is our first priority, the good stuff just comes with Him.