The Dodson Family enjoying family time while creating their Advent Wreath.
Imagine Morgan Hall packed with young children, teens with their parents and grandparents, ministry stewards and CTK clergy and staff, the hospitality tables filled with abundant home-baked food, and at the center of attention, tables blanketed with materials needed for each family to craft their own Advent wreath. This display was the scene last Sunday for our annual Advent wreath-making events after the 9AM and 11AM Masses. Jen Coehlo and Dolores Mozzillo guided the families through the crafting and prayerful service of creating their wreaths. Members of the teen ministry assisted in the day by organizing supplies and taking photographs. Some of the younger children participated by reading aloud from the prepared script. And all listened joyfully as Abby Walsh provided us with seasonal music. As Father Jon made his way through the families to bless each of the wreaths, we collectively paused to remember that “the Advent wreath serves as a spiritual compass on our journey in preparation for the nativity of our Lord.” *
As Catholics, our traditions and the milestones celebrated throughout the liturgical year help us properly prepare our hearts and minds to welcome Christ into our lives. A tradition instituted by St. Pope John Paul II is Bambinelli Sunday. The blessing of the Bambinelli is celebrated on the third Sunday of Advent when families bring baby Jesus from their Nativity set to church for a special blessing. The tradition that began in Rome is now celebrated worldwide and offers families another way to celebrate the season’s true meaning. On Sunday December 15, Christ the King will celebrate Bambinelli Sunday at the 9AM Mass and all families are encouraged to bring their baby Jesus to mass for a blessing.
* svdmissions.org
Looking for more ways to prepare this Advent? Join us for Mass on Dec 9 at 6:30PM in celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Attend the regional Penance Serve on Dec 16 at 7PM at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 901 Hopkins Rd.
A Growing Sense of Community
Henry Thiel, second from right, with his fellow Prep brothers during the week at Bethlehem Farms.
I am an alumnus of Christ the King Regional School and am now in my senior year at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia. Since I was young, my parents have ingrained the idea of serving others into my upbringing. Around our home, I often hear, “To give back to others is the best way to show appreciation.” I have taken this mindset to heart, and giving of myself has become second nature. While deciding which high school to attend, I knew that service had to be a cornerstone of my education, and upon learning that motto of St. Joe’s is “For and With Others” is not just spoken but dutifully acted upon, my choice was clear. My four years have been filled with academic rigor and active involvement in community outreach, environmental and social justice clubs, mission and ministry, and our theater group “Cape and Sword.”
This summer, a group of other students and I had the opportunity to travel to Bethlehem Farms in West Virginia. During our week-long stay, we strengthened our faith in ways I hadn’t expected. Upon arrival, we learned the four cornerstones of the farm: service, prayer, simplicity, and community. These four points proved invaluable during my stay, and now, as I look back on my experience, I continue to apply that knowledge to my daily life. My Prep brothers and I planted and picked various fruits and vegetables that nourished the farm community. We took time to cook meals from our harvest and assist neighbors who graciously donated meat and dairy products. However, the highlight of my stay, and what took the most time, was demolishing and reconstructing a porch for an older woman and widow, Margaret, a widow who lives independently. With her son living a day’s drive away, Margaret gratefully relies heavily on the generosity of others. Each day when we arrived, and again before our daily departure, we gathered hand in hand so Margaret could extend her gratitude to us and pray for our safety. While my time with Margaret and at Bethlehem Farms was brief, this experience and introduction to the cornerstones of the farm have left a lasting impression on me. I am steadfast in my thoughts of my place in this world and my desire to serve my community and family unselfishly.
Henry Thiel is an Eagle Scout and member of the St. Joe’s Prep Ultimate Frisbee team.
Parishioners and school families supported Catholic education last week on Giving Tuesday by donating almost $5,000 to the school on the international day of giving. Your opportunity to support the school is the weekend of Dec. 15. The PTA is selling Santa’s Sack of Cash tickets after all Masses, call the school for more information.