As I write the sun is shining brightly, I look forward to a gorgeous moon, and we lit the first Advent candle – much glorious light amid the shorter days and the darkness of the pandemic. Advent is a time to focus on the light! We look forward, with patience and hope, to Jesus’ birthday. We may be missing out on traditional Christmas activities – the shopping, the crowds, and our lovely Christmas programs – but maybe this will give us more time to settle in and enjoy the simple things, safe at home. Gather around your wreath, and share how you feel God’s presence in your day.
This year, the song “Light the Advent Candle” is coming to the students virtually as we journey through the weeks of Advent at school. Together we will also attend a virtual Reconciliation service. Students in grades 2-8 usually meet with Fr. Crispin during Advent. This year, we will participate virtually during the week of December 14. More information to follow. Next week, we will have an all-school Mass at 10:30am on Tuesday, December 8 for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. You can follow along on the Parish Facebook page.
This evening, we will host a virtual Preschool and Kindergarten Information Night for new and returning families. Families will get to “visit” classrooms, and meet faculty and staff. Contact Jonna Skokan, Director of Development and Admissions, for more information, including the zoom link.
It’s good to see two of the second-grade cohorts back in school, and we are looking forward to having the third back on December 8. It will be even better when we can have more grade levels and students here. Although we are anticipating changes to the Decision Tree metrics and duration of time required for quarantining, we are still being asked to be very cautious and to follow the guidelines from Public Health – Seattle & King County.
There is good news for the children! Ireland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, announced in the Dáil (Parliament) that Santa is an essential worker. He may travel, and he does not have to quarantine! Mr. Coveney reminded families that we must still maintain social distance so children should stay in bed to keep Santa safe!
Bendiciónes de advento,
Bernadette
