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.
