Holy Family Catholic School is a welcoming learning community that awakens the hearts and minds of students while educating and nurturing each to learn, live fully, and serve others.

The third Sunday of Advent in 2022 will be on Sunday, December 11th. There is so much comfort to be found in the practice of pausing to read, pray, and reflect over the course of the Advent season in which believers eagerly anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. The third Sunday of Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare in our hearts a sense of holy anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus as well as for his promised second coming. We can study the Scriptures as a reminder of the ways God has been faithful to us through the fulfillment of prophecy—and find hope in the promises of God that are laid out in his Word.

On the third Sunday of Advent we are invited to reflect on the joy we have access to because of our faith in Jesus. One of the defining characteristics of Christ-followers is their joyful demeanor. Let’s not allow the struggles of this year steal from the great joy we have because of Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-5 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

Over this Advent, would you pray that the joy of the Lord would be evident in your heart and home? May God’s spirit transform the days leading up to Christmas into a time of holy anticipation; preparing our hearts, as we joyfully await the chance to celebrate the arrival of our king.

Third Sunday of Advent Meaning and Symbolism.

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” Advent in the 4th and 5th centuries was a time of preparation for the baptism of new Christians. Christians would spend 40 days in prayer and fasting to prepare for the celebration that accompanied the baptism of new believers.

Over time, advent was connected to the coming of Christ. Originally, Christians used this term to reference Christ’s second coming, but by the Middle Ages, Advent was connected to Christ’s first coming that we celebrate at Christmas. Today, we celebrate Advent over the four weeks leading up to Christmas each year.

Advent season is an invitation to set your mind off the stresses of the year. We can take our focus off of the crazy hustle of the season and the sadness that could accompany the different ways some of us may be choosing to observe the holiday season this year. Even when things feel chaotic we can find peace in Jesus. Advent is a chance to focus our thoughts on the gift God has given us in his son Jesus who stepped down from heaven and took the form of a man so that we might believe.

The tradition for the third Sunday of Advent includes lighting a third sometimes pink candle that is a symbol of joy. This third Sunday of Advent we read, pray, and reflect on the joy that God’s plan gives us (foretold by the prophets and fulfilled by the life and death of Christ), and we meditate on the promise of Christ’s coming glory-filled return. The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word for rejoice, and this Sunday is the time for us to rejoice because Jesus came and died so that we may live forever with him!

Adapted From https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/third-sunday-advent.html

Dear HFCS families,

Please join us for our Christmas concert "How to Be Merry" on Wednesday, December 14.

All children K-6 have been working hard in music classes to prepare their performances for you. Students arrive at their classrooms at 6:30-6:45 pm. The concert is to begin at 7:00 pm (approximately one hour in length). There is no specific dress required: Please have your child wear their holiday best!

Tickets are $5 per adult, and available online or at the door. Children are free.

On June 30th, 2021, a fire destroyed the 113 yr old St. Jean Baptiste Parish Church in Morinville. This Advent, our school division is raising funds to help support the rebuilding of the church by helping the Grinch to grow his heart. The Grinch has kidnapped “The Doug” to stop him from sharing the joy of Christmas. The Grinch needs our love! If we raise enough money, we can help the Grinch's heart to grow, and he'll return “The Doug”. To donate go to: grinchneedslove.com

• Popcorn Day is Thursday this week
• Booster Juice Coupons - SOLD OUT! Thank you!
• Little Caesar's Pick Up - Thursday from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Please pick up your orders promptly!

Upcoming Events:

Dec. 19: Dress Like an Elf Day

Dec. 20: Christmas cookie and story activity

Dec. 21: Healthy Hunger (Bar Burrito)

Dec. 22: Decorate A Teacher

Dec. 23: Last day of classes before the Christmas holidays - wear your PJs!

Jan. 9: Classes resume

Jan. 13: No Kindergarten classes

Jan. 19: Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten Expo at ESSACHS