November 28, 2022

Dear St. Raphael School Families and Friends, 

Welcome to the beautiful season of Advent and the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year.  The word Advent means “coming.”  During Advent we recall the history of God's people and reflect on how the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament were fulfilled.  Similar to Lent, Advent is the time that we prepare for Jesus’ coming.  It is my hope and prayer that Advent will be a time of reflective preparation for all of us.

As we began Advent this past weekend, we lit one candle in the midst of all the darkness in our lives and in the world.  It symbolizes our longing, our desire, and our hope.  We want to be renewed in a sense that Jesus came to save us from our sins and death.  We want to experience His coming to us now, in our everyday lives, to help us live with meaning and purpose.  Furthermore, we want to prepare for His coming to meet us at the end of our lives on this earth.

The Scholastic Book Fair begins this week and will take place outside the school library.  All week long, students, parents and friends can enjoy our book fair.  There are books for people of all ages, and many books make wonderful Christmas presents. 

During the beautiful season of Advent, you might be interested in receiving daily emails from our regional bishop.  You can sign up for free at http://www.adventreflections.com.  Join Bishop Robert Barron and thousands of others in this beautiful time of waiting and anticipation for the birth of Jesus!

Important Dates:

November 28 – December 2: Bookfair

December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass at 10:45 am

December 12: Jeans for Jesus

December 15: Christmas Program at 1:30 pm

December 16: Noon Dismissal for Christmas Vacation

January 3:  School Resumes

In Mary’s Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb, Principal 

Prayer for Advent:

Dear Heavenly Father,
This is my one-word prayer: PEACE.
I can’t see ahead. I don’t know what to do.
Here are all my fears and my questions… [share yours]
I want to experience your perfect peace.
Let it be with me. Just as you say.
Hold me, God, so I can hear you whisper to me, "You don't have to know the way. I do."
In Jesus' name, Amen
~ Bonnie Gray, from “Praying for Perfect Peace When We Can't See How”