One wonderful tradition here at Corpus Christi is our Advent prayer services. Led by Religious Coordinator and 7th grade teacher Mrs. Twomey and her trusty guitar, the whole school gathers in the gym every Wednesday morning to prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day. We celebrate this time of year with so many wonderful and decadent seasonal joys. Advent prayer is a quiet, humble reflection that brings the focus back to the simplicity of the season.
Each week of advent is devoted to a theme. Hope, Peace, Love and Joy are celebrated through a song, a gospel reading and reflection. How do you find hope, peace, love and joy? How do you share each one with your community? Each week, Mrs. Twomey reads to the school from a Christmas book. This opportunity to sit and be read to is so rare. All of us loved being read to as children and at some point, that stops. We take our books into our own hands and experience stories in a solitary way. Being read to as a school over four weeks is so special. Each person experiences the story in their own way as we journey to the conclusion as a community. This year, we will hear the World War I era tale of ‘The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree.’
In the back hallway, our board will be a daily reminder of our preparation throughout the month of December for the coming of Our Savior. Each primary grade will decorate a star with an intention. How will they give hope or spread joy this season? These will decorate the sky. The upper grades will decorate stones with their plans for promoting peace and sharing love. These stones will become the path to the manger where Jesus will be born.
You are welcome to join us for the Advent prayer services if you are looking for a way to refocus your intentions for the season. Or, if you just like the idea of being told a sweet story full of love, hope, peace and joy!