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December 21, 2023
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
Luke 2:10-14
Dear Sacred Heart Schools Community,
Advent ushers in a special season of hope, peace, joy, and love. The birth of Christ demonstrates God’s unbelievable love for each of us. Each of us is created to be unique and special in our own ways. Each of us is called to enter a relationship with God. The more we open our hearts to Him, the closer our relationship with God grows. We are blessed to celebrate Christ’s love every day at Sacred Heart Schools.
With “an openness and eagerness to serve the needs of others,” we began the season of Advent with a special delivery to Appalachia from our SHA students. The Sister Brendan Toy Drive provided over 900 gifts to children in West Virginia. Special thanks to Sternberg Truck Rental for donating the truck for our delivery and Sister Janet Marie Peterworth, OSU, for blessing the gifts and students before the trip. Our Advent giving continued through the SHMS tradition of the Giving Tree, which this year goes to families at Luhr Elementary. Thanks to our SHMS MPA for coordinating this yearly tradition.
As we prepare for the birth of Christ, gathering in community brings us time with friends and family. For SHS, many events during the month help us “build community wherever we go.” We welcomed prospective SHA families to our Mother/Daughter brunch to begin our Advent by sharing the special bond between mother and daughter and serving others by making Blessing Bags for the homeless. Community and service unite as our students perform and give the gift of their talents through our many choral concerts, our tradition of the SHSA Nutcracker, and our SHMS Christmas Pep Rally and class parties.
Of course, we remember “where ever two or more are gathered in His name,” God is part of our community. Preparing for the Lord, we entered into spiritual opportunities to grow closer to God. All four schools celebrated through prayer during each week of Advent. On Dec. 8th, we gathered for mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, remembering Mary's willingness to say “yes” to God. SHMS and SHA students also had the opportunity to participate in reconciliation during this special season of Advent. Our students walked forth with hearts ready to receive the love of Jesus’ birth.
SHA seniors enjoyed prom, a true community moment. Decades ago, SHA senior prom was scheduled around Christmas when soldiers at war would be on leave. Sacred Heart has continued this tradition until this day. The senior year is moving quickly, and we are excited for our soon-to-be graduates.
Our wish for our community is that Advent and the Christmas season be filled with community, through time with friends and family, and that you take time to serve others. May God open your hearts wide for love to pour forth each day!
Together in Heart! Merry Christmas!
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