ASHTABULA — During the holidays it’s easy to get caught up in all of the excitement and anxiety and forget what this season is truly about. The students at Ss. John and Paul are keeping in mind the true meaning of Christmas by praying together as a family and sharing in the joy of giving back to the community. Each year, the school celebrates Advent with a prayer service for each Sunday of Advent ending with a Mass put on by the sophomore class on the Friday before Christmas vacation. Also, in the spirit of giving, the students took part in the Catholic Charities Holiday Angels Loving Others Adopt-a-Family program.
The purpose of Adopt-a-Family is to ensure that a family that otherwise would most likely not be able to afford presents this year will still be able to receive them.
Student Council president Jessica Laurello stressed the importance of the program as a bonding experience. “I think that it is very special that we have Adopt-a-Family because it brings the school together because we are all working together on this project,” Laurello said.
A family of eight was adopted on behalf of both the high school and elementary buildings, and name tags were made with both the name of a family member and a gift for that individual. Each family in the school has the opportunity to take a name tag to make sure that every member of the adopted family will receive an item. The gifts were delivered by the senior class on Wednesday morning.
Ss. John and Paul is celebrating Advent this year with its traditional weekly prayer services. Each of the four high school classes was responsible for a candle-light prayer service for each of the four Sundays of Advent, which are celebrated on Monday morning before class with the help of seminarian Bob Lanterman.
High school theology teacher Marilou McClimans explained the purpose of Advent. “Advent is a four- week period in the liturgical year when we prepare for commemorating the birth of Jesus,” Mrs. McClimans said. “The students have been learning about the history and the purpose of Advent in their theology classes.”
The celebration of Advent ends for the school with a Mass organized by the class of 2012 with music provided by Nora Giangola 12:30 p.m. Friday in Mahoney Gymnasium. The public is welcome to join us in the celebration of the Mass.
Over the daily announcements this season, principal Albina Larson has been reminding the students about the importance of giving. “Get yourself in the Christmas spirit by doing an act of kindness for someone!” Ms. Larson said.
At this time of the year with so much happening so soon, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. It’s important for not only us students, but for everyone to keep in mind that the best way to stay happy is to make someone else happy. From everyone in the Ss. John and Paul community, have a very happy Christmas.
Next Generation
Related Photos
Discussion
Students focus on true meaning of Christmas season
- Next Generation
-
-
Pymatuning Valley student may be petite, but she has big goals as she prepares mission trip to South Africa
Courage, selflessness, sacrifice: words to define a hero. They define a person who has a certain quality of mind that allows him or her to overcome adversity, a person who is willing to forfeit something valued for something of greater claim. A hero is someone noted for feats of courage and nobility of purpose. At Pymatuning Valley, Ami Turner fits that definition well.
-
Ss. John & Paul celebrates prom with 'Masquerade' theme
Ss. John and Paul High School was filled with excitement for this year’s prom. The dance took place May 15 at Martini’s Restaurant.
-
Graduation on the horizon for seniors, retirement for four Geneva educators
The 2009-2010 school year has been a time of innovation and continuing successes at Geneva High School.
-
GRA lacrosse team a big hit
This past year has been a year of firsts for Grand River Academy. GRA’s first football team in 75 years was launched last fall, students participated in several new academic competitions, lights were added to the tennis courts; and to finish off the year, another GRA sport was created, the hard hitting game of lacrosse.
-
Crash dramatization gives students a shocking view of what could happen if they make a wrong decision
Broken glass, the smell of blood, pain- induced moans and cries for help. As you approach, you see the results of an automobile accident and see the victims, teen-agers who have just recently left their senior prom. As sirens become louder, you realize the magnitude of the situation and witness such bright futures end early because of one bad decision. This scenario is one that every parent is afraid of on prom night. This is where Officer Tim Blon and the rest of the Jefferson Emergency Services come in to help ease the fears that haunt many parents on the night of prom – a drunk driving car crash simulation for Jefferson Area High School students.
-
Powder Puff games fun year-end event for Grand Valley
Grand Valley High School seniors are happily counting down to graduation day. Commencement will be held 7 p.m. June 4 in the Grand Valley High School Gymnasium.
-
As the school year nears an end, Edgewood's calendar is packed with awards ceremonies, class of 2010 graduation
As the school year comes to a conclusion, the final parent teacher conferences are held, prom occurs, the band and choir perform, awards are given and seniors are realizing their achievements.
-
LEAP growing in popularity as force for promoting a positive atmosphere
Lakeside High School has been busy with balancing education and activities to keep students involved. Lakeside Encouraging Acceptance Promoting Peace, an organization that was formed in December 2009, represents a positive atmosphere at LHS and in the community.
-
Grand Splendor, trip to Washington is the finale for seniors at SRCA
As the 2009-2010 school year comes to an end, South Ridge Christian Academy is as busy as ever. The next event on the calendar is Grand Splendor.
-
Vocational school welcomes hundreds of future students, parents at orientation
“Back to school” might seem like a weird statement seeing how we are just about done with the school year, but on April 20 students from across the county turned out at the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School to look at the facilities and meet with teachers and school officials. People began arriving before the event’s official starting time of 6:30 p.m.; more than 500 people attended during the evening.
- More Next Generation Headlines
-
