Advent is a time for preparing our hearts for Jesus. During this season, we had our regular first Friday mass for December, as well as a mass on December 8 for the Immaculate Conception. At this mass we also had our annual stocking drive for the children at All Saints Catholic Academy. The act of taking time from our busy schedules to pick out and buy items for the stockings is one way to give of ourselves and to remind us of what the season of advent is truly about. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” John 3:16. Through our gifts we can add a little joy to their lives by sharing our own just as God shared His life with us through gifting us with His one and only Son.
The Christmas concert was on December 8, where roughly 100 girls participated either through singing, playing in orchestra, playing hand bells, hosting, or any combination of them all. The magical evening didn’t happen overnight; it took many months of planning and practicing – many months of hard preparations to share these gifts of talent. In particular, Bianca Ciaburro 24’ blessed the audience with her performance of Ave Maria. The complex compositions ranged from orchestra playing Ding Dong Merry on High, arranged by Paul Barker, to Oh Holy Night, arranged by Adolphe Adam. Meanwhile, also included in the evening’s activities, was the handbells’ performance of Joy to the World. Choir sang songs ranging from classics such as, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, to less commonly heard of, Merry Christmas Madrigal, and even an Italian composition, Tu Schendi Dalle Stelle, with soloist, sophomore, Maria Testa.
Beginning on December 18th we will start our midterm exams. Students have been studying in many different ways to prepare themselves. Everyone has their own unique study techniques that work for them, whether it be regular flashcards, online flashcards, Kahoot’s, or rewriting and rereading old notes from class. These preparations are done in the hopes of feeling confident during tests and relaxed and at ease when we go on break to rest and enjoy family after the last exams on Friday, December 22.
This season is full of preparation, whether it be preparing our hearts and minds spiritually for the coming celebration of Christmas and welcoming Jesus into our lives again before the new year. We shared gifts through the stocking drive and the gifts and talents that were shared at the Christmas concert, blessing the audience’s night, and helping them to feel light of Christ and Christmas within the performers. Our preparations for midterms will allow for a stress-free relaxing break where we can truly enjoy the company of family and friends gathering together to celebrate the new season we will be entering on December 25, Christmas.
