Welcome to our Winter/Early Spring 20242025 issue of the IHM Catholic EdNotes!
This week, on Thanksgiving, we traditionally stop and recall the people, experiences, and moments that have enriched our lives. As a nation we thank God publicly and in the privacy of our homes and hearts, families often make special plans that enrich their family traditions of expressing gratitude to one another and to God. Advent begins the very next Sunday, and our gratitude continues as we prepare to enter this season of anticipation and hope!
Our IHM Sisters and our dedicated lay colleagues recognize the centrality of our faith and its place in our everyday lives. It is this faith that allows us to boldly bring God’s grace and hope to all those we meet each day, and to assist our students to more fully engage in their personal faith-life, growth and learning. We witness the added grace of our faith-life as it supports our energy level and focuses us to navigate the daily challenges we and our students may encounter.
We hope to inspire and assist you with the sacred work of Catholic education through these interesting and informative features that can support your best practices, Pre-K through Grade 12, whether in a catechetical parish program or a Catholic school setting.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us: ihmcatholicednotes@gmail.com
God bless you for your dedication to Catholic Education
A Mission Moment from an Immaculata University
An Incarnation Reflection
Sister Antoine Therse Lawlor, IHM
Advent peace and Christmas joy to each of you! Even if you are not a musician, the music of your life can be a Christmas gift to the Christ Child as we celebrate his birth! Christmas has already been musically celebrated here at Immaculata with a beautiful Carol Night and a Sunday afternoon Christmas Concert.
My early years as an IU student found me in the music department, working very hard at practicing the piano and memorizing my “circle of fifths” . Years later, someone gave me a flute and from then on, flute was my instrument of choice. Perhaps that is why this little Christmas fable holds a special message!
Once upon a time, there was a tall reed growing near a creek. The reed flourished and basked in the beauty of its natural habitat. After a while, the reed began to turn brown and snapped off, landing flat on the ground. A few days later, a young man saw the reed and picked it up as he walked by.
He put it in his backpack and didn’t give it much thought. It was the reed’s first experience of total darkness, and it longed for the light. Then one day, the young man took the reed out of his bag and began to trim it with his pocketknife. He hollowed out the inside and began to cut some holes into it. The reed felt the sharp pain that this treatment caused. But soon the little reed was put into the backpack again.
Then an extraordinary day arrived, and the young man took out the reed and joined a small group of shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem. There was excitement in the air. Together they walked into a small cave on the edge of town. Instead of the pain of the knife, the reed felt the gentle touch as the young man lifted it tenderly to his lips and blew into it in such a way as to make a beautiful melody come forth.
As the reed looked down, it saw a young mother and her infant lying in a manger. What a thrill for the reed to be part of this scene and add to the beauty with a sweetsounding lullaby the young man played through it!
How about us? Even though we may not be able to play an instrument, we can still bring music to the Christ Child with our welcome, and the love that we bring to our prayer and to our family and friends in this Christmas season!
May you celebrate the true meaning of the Incarnate One all during the holidays! Merry Christmas to you and to all your loved ones!
Dear Friends,
The liturgical season of Advent is upon us. The word advent is taken from the Latin adventus, which means “arrival or coming.“ It is one of the most beautiful seasons on the liturgical calendar, and yet some of the beauty of the season is disturbed by the complexity and busyness of our lives at this time of year. In the midst of all of that, we should remind ourselves that this season is about the celebration and commemoration of the birth of Christ. While we prepare for Christmas in our hearts, there are other types of preparations that distract us and even exhaust us. Shopping, decorating, baking, and writing Christmas cards are all very important aspects of the advent season. But all too often they take our minds off the “reason for the season. “ I would like to suggest that it doesn’t have to be like that.
At Christmas, shopping for presents for those we love can sometimes be a hassle. However, if we keep in mind the love and gratitude we have for them, it can become part of our Christmas preparation. It can be a reminder to us of the gifts the Magi presented to the Christ Child, gifts that were given out of awe and reverence. Perhaps connecting our own gift-giving to those of the Magi will center our minds and hearts throughout the Advent season.
Decorating our homes is another way of reminding ourselves that what is about to happen is important. The lights in and around our homes can remind us of the star of Bethlehem. The tree itself, an evergreen tree, is a symbol of Christ who never changes, who is always the same, everywhere and at all times.
Baking is always a fun part of our preparations for Christmas. Again, we can be reminded of the people who will share this food with us and offer thanks for them. If you are very lucky, you will bake cookies and breads with your children or grandchildren, reminding them that sharing with one another is one of the lessons the Christ Child taught us.
Writing Christmas cards can sometimes feel like a chore. The art of writing has taken a beating these days through the constant use of text messaging and emails. Perhaps this Advent you might consider that the message you send to a loved one in a handwritten card is a personal connection with them and another form of a gift.
All these things make for a very busy advent season. Add to these the responsibility of taking care of your family and the children you teach; this time of year can be one big headache. But let me tell you one very special truth: in the midst of all the chaos and busyness, God is right there with you, and it is exactly where God wants to be! When you are tired and worn out, God offers comfort. When you’re not sure where your next bit of energy will come from, God offers strength. When you begin to lose sight of what Advent and Christmas mean, God’s presence can speak to your heart. All you and I have to do is recall the message of the angel, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. A savior is born for you!” That is the revolutionary, passionate, and exciting news of Advent!
Shhh! Be Quiet! The Need for Silence
As I was pondering what to write for this edition of the IHM EdNotes, I thought about what my students like most from their Kairos retreats over the past few summers. More often than not, they share how much they enjoyed the period of silence. Of course, there are horrified looks on their faces when the students are told they have to be quiet for nearly an hour and a half, including lunchtime. (Admittedly, this can be awkward. Why is it that potato chips are served during retreats?!) In feedback sessions, the students express how freeing it is to be quiet and how peaceful they felt. It allows them to be still enough to clear the incessant information running through their minds They can be truly tuned into the beauty around them, sitting in a field feeling the soft wind blowing through their hair, listening to birds chirping and bees buzzing, observing butterflies fluttering from one flower to another. Journaling is not a chore, but something they excitedly embrace and enjoy. Silence helps them realize how attached they are to their devices, especially their cell phones, and all the noise that surrounds them on a daily basis Some of the girls joyfully share how they discover God. Jackpot!
Why is silence important and why do we need to teach it to our young people?
God comes to us in the silence. It is an encounter with the Divine Silence makes room for listening to God’s voice, deepening our connection with Him, and fostering spiritual growth. Without silence, we can easily miss God and the messages God wants to convey to us. We must be willing to listen quietly for God’s “still small voice” (1 Kings 19: 11 -12).
This generation of young people is constantly bombarded with noise, distractions, and chaos while living in a “culture of busyness.” (Dr. Jared Staudt, Learning to Do Nothing). It is our responsibility to help them understand that slowing down, being still, and disconnecting from technology are essential to having a relationship with God.
Perhaps you might want to try some of these practices in your classes or your prayer groups:
• Set aside 2 -3 minutes at the beginning of class/meeting. Have everyone close their eyes and sit in silence. When time is up, share what it was like.
• Light a candle and have your group sit in silence for a short amount of time Share what the experience was like.
• Make visits to the Blessed Sacrament. If there are distractions, pray the words that St. Teresa of Calcutta urged her sisters to pray, “Here I am, Lord. Love me!”
• Encourage your students to intentionally set aside a particular time, free of distractions, to pray and dialogue with God. Beginners may want to sit in silence for 5 minutes each week, then increase the time and frequency as they become more acclimated to the quiet.
• To help your students or group let go of internal noise, such as worries and anxieties (e.g., “To Do” lists) that might creep into their minds, teach them a “breath prayer” such as the Jesus Prayer. Breathe in “Lord, Jesus Christ” and breathe out “Have mercy upon me a sinner.” Or have them think of a word or phrase (e.g., “Give me your peace”) that will help them refocus on God and the silence.
It is important to encourage young people to be gentle with themselves. Embracing silence requires intention, practice, and patience, but the rewards are immeasurable – a deeper connection with God, inner peace, and a clearer understanding of His will in our lives.
Resources: Gonzalez, S. (2024). Creating space for silence. Loyola Press Catholic Resources. https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/prayer/family-prayers/creatingspace-for-silence/ Jones, T. (2024, July 21). Pope at Angelus: slow down, reflect, pray to be more caring. Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-07/pope-atangelus-slow-down-reflect-pray-to-be-more-caring.html
Staudt, R. (2023, February 9). Learning to do nothing: the art of sacred silence. The Catholic World Report. https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/02/09/learningto-do-nothing-the-art-of-sacred-silence/
GPS for Success
Recalculating Positive Social and Emotional Strategies which create healthy climate and learning in the classroom.
Social and Emotional Development in Early Learning Settings
Beyond the ABCs and 123s
In their first few years of life, young children acquire social and emotional skills, such as regulating emotions, sharing with others and following instructions. These skills lay the foundation for developing literacy, numeracy and other cognitive abilities that are critical for success in school and life.
Healthy social and emotional development is rooted in nurturing and responsive relationships with family members and other caregivers, including those who provide care in early learning settings. Early care and education professionals in childcare and preschool classrooms are important partners in supporting social and emotional development and ensuring that the youngest learners are ready for school and on the path to success.
State legislatures often consider policies and resources to support school readiness. Increasingly, legislation to enhance social and emotional well-being in early learners is seen as a crucial component to promoting success in school.
Every student can LEARN, just not on the same day or in the same way.
George Evans
What is Social and Emotional Development, And Why Does It Matter?
During their first few years of life, children’s brains are rapidly developing, as is their capacity to learn essential social and emotional skills. Social and emotional development in the early years, also referred to as early childhood mental health, refers to children’s capacity to:
• Experience, regulate and express a range of emotions.
• Develop close, satisfying relationships with other children and adults.
• Actively explore their environment and learn.
Social and emotional development is influenced by both biology and experiences. Together, genes and experiences shape the architecture of the brain: Genes provide “instructions” for our bodies while experiences affect how and whether the instructions are carried out. Children’s early experiences consist of interactions with caregivers – parents, other family members, childcare providers and teachers – and their environment. Due to the rapid nature of brain development in early childhood, the quality of early experiences can lay either a strong or weak foundation, which will affect how children react and respond to the world around them for the rest of their lives. For most infants and young children, social and emotional development unfolds in predictable ways. They learn to develop close relationships with caregivers, soothe themselves when they are upset, share and play with others, and listen and follow directions. All these signs indicate positive early social and emotional development.
This is not the story for all children. Among those birth to age 5 who are exposed to biological, relationship-based, or environmental risk factors, at least 10% experience disruptions in their social and environmental development and consequently, mental health problems. For example, children exposed to abuse, neglect or other forms of trauma often respond biologically by producing high levels of cortisol – a stress hormone the body releases to cope with threatening situations. Prolonged periods of high stress in early childhood can cause permanent negative damage to the brain and other developing systems in the body. Children who experience toxic stress, defined as persistent activation of the stress response systems in the absence of a buffering and responsive caregiver, are at risk of poorer social, emotional and physical development. They risk serious mental health problems in childhood and later life.
Updated October 9, 2019 – Jennifer Palmer
Respecting others
Kindergarten Social & Emotional Learning Worksheet
Sort into the correct category.
Respectful
Disrespectful
Telling the truth Listening to others Hitting Laughing at others Laughing with others
Bullying Interrupting Lying Apologizing Following directions
Recess is vital to education, not just a break but the heartbeat of learning.
Here, students build social skills, resilience, and academic foundations.
Through unstructured play, they master problem-solving, teamwork, and even self-regulation, becoming well-rounded individuals.
3rd Theme of Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities
by Sister Joyce C. Bell, IHM Coordinator of Social Justice
In 1891 Pope Leo XIII wrote an encyclical entitled Rerum Novarum. It formed the basis for all Catholic social teaching. On the 100th anniversary of Rerum Novarum Pope John Paul II wrote an encyclical, Centensimus Annus, in which he listed six basic rights.
The first fundamental right is the right to life. This right recognizes that all human life has potential. All other rights flow from this. Every person has a right to live in a family that allows each member to thrive. Everyone has the right to develop his/her full potential through education. Every person has the right to find meaningful work that guarantees the worker a living wage, a wage that provides the basics for his/her family. Everyone has the right to access healthcare. Finally, everyone has a right to religious freedom.
Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities – to one another, to our families and to the larger society. It is our responsibility to work to obtain these basic rights. This is called advocacy. Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium (2023), tells us we must serve those in need and accompany the weakest among us by speaking for their rights. This is our responsibility. Practicing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy is one way we live daily our responsibility to working for the common good.
To learn more about this, watch this video: CST 101 Rights and Responsibilities
CATHOLIC TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Instruct the wise and they become wiser still. Proverbs 9: 9
Catholic Podcasts
Tiny Theologians Podcast
Now in its fourth season, Tiny Theologians will lead your students to learn all about God. The first two seasons features the attributes of God, while seasons three and four are about the names of God. Tiny Theologians is geared towards preschool to early elementary age students. Each episode is about fifteen to twenty minutes long. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
The Saints Podcast
Each week a new five-part series about a particular saint is brought to life by the Merry Beggars. Join Joan of Arc as she leads the French army, Patrick of Ireland as he escapes slavery and many more faith-filled and inspiring stories. You can get daily episodes and activities delivered to your email by signing up at thesaintspodcast.com or you can listen to each episode on your favorite podcasts app.
Apps for Ipad, Iphone
Hallow
Hallow is the #1 Catholic App. I am sharing Hallow once again to highlight the Advent experience. The theme this year is from Jn 3:16, “For God so loved the World.” Encounter God’s love through the book, A Severe Mercy, by Sheldon Vanauken. The book is the firsthand account of God’s relentless pursuit of the hearts of Sheldon and his wife Davy. Also join people from around the world praying with scripture and music, meditating on Divine Intimacy, and hearing inspiring real life stories of encounters with God’s love. Jonathan Roumie, Jeff Cavins, Kevin James and Father Chrysostom Baer are a few of those who will lead you through the days of Advent.
Jesse Tree Tales is Hallow’s Kids Advent Challenge. Kids will join Ezra as he travels with his family to Bethlehem for the census. Sharing the road with Mary and Joseph, Ezra will learn about the long story of salvation that God has been telling: from Adam and Eve to the coming birth of Christ. Also collect ornaments along the way to make a tree by Christmas.
There’s also the Mary on the Mantel prayer challenge. This alternative to Elf on a Shelf, shows how Mary was chosen by God, what a gift Jesus is to the world, and encourages all to pray with Mary.
The free download comes with access to a lot of exquisite content. A subscription (monthly $9.99; annually $69.99 Apple | GooglePlay) is necessary to open access to full content. Hallow has a family plan for 119.99 annually, and free lifetime subscriptions for Religious. There is also Educational Plans for schools. For pricing check hallow.com.
Shared Wisdom
Two heads are better than one. Please submit your favorite technology resources for Catholic religious education at krantzihm@yahoo.com Submissions will be included in upcoming issues. Many thanks to those who shared tools for this issue.
Why should schools return to Cursive Writing?
“This is not just about recovering a writing style, but about giving breath to our thoughts again.”
Studies show that Cursive Writing has the following benefits.
• Cognitive Development – Writing in cursive can help children develop skills by integrating fine motor skills with visual and tactile processing.
• Brain Regions –Cursivewritingactivatesdifferentneurological pathways that typing or manuscript writing.
• Brain Connectivity – Handwriting can increase connectivity between brain regions, especially those involved in memory formation.
• Kinesthetic Stimulation –Thefluidmotionofcursivewriting provides a different type of kinesthetic stimulation that helps different parts of the brain develop and integrate.
• Learning and Memory – A study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that cursive handwriting helps the brain learn and remember better.
• Functional Specialization – Cursive writing can help train the brain for functional specialization, which is the ability to work efficiently.
Grades 3 & 4
JANUARY FEBRUARY
Hats and mittens keep us warm,
A flag flies over our country, We are ready for the storm. It tells us that we are free! Zip your coat to your chin, The flag we look at proudly Do not let the winter in. Was given to you and to me!
Grade 5 &6
JANUARY FEBRUARY
Thank you, God, for winter . Recipe for love: For snow and frosty air
One gallon of kindness For those who love and care for us
Two cups of truth For blessings that we share.
Three quarts of respect
Four teaspoons of joy
Grades 7 & 8
JANUARY FEBRUARY
Success means to go to sleep
Every new day begins with possibilities. at night knowing that our talents It is up to us to fill it and abilities were used in a way with the things that move us that served others. toward progress and peace.
Marianne Williamson Ronald Regan
Grades 3 & 4
MARCH
Grades 5 &6
Joseph hammered, Joseph sawed, You have brains in your head He worked hard every day. You have feet in your shoes He showed his love for God You can steer yourself And thanked God as he prayed. Any direction you choose.
Dr. Seuss
Grades 7 & 8
With every experience, you alone are painting your own canvas, thought by thought, choice by choice.
Oprah Winfrey
Winter, 2025
About the "Great O's"
On the evening of December 17 the final phase of preparation for Christmas begins with the first of the great "O Antiphons" of Advent. These prayers are seven jewels of liturgical song, one for each day until Christmas Eve. They seem to sum up all our Advent longing for the Savior.
The "O Antiphons" are intoned with special solemnity in monasteries at Vespers, before and after the Magnificat, Mary's prayer of praise and thanksgiving from the Gospel of Luke (2:42-55), which is sung every evening as the climax of this Hour of the Divine Office.
A vestige of the "Great Os" can be seen in verses of the familiar Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel".
Families interested in the liturgy have discovered these gems of liturgical poetry and use them in their evening prayers. An "O Antiphon House" similar to an Advent Calendar can be made, with seven windows, each concealing an appropriate symbol for the different "O Antiphons", and an eighth window hiding the Nativity scene. As with an Advent calendar, one window is opened each day.
The sublime meditation of the "Great Os" would be excellent for families with children who have outgrown the Jesse Tree or Advent calendar. In any case, they are beautiful additions to your family prayers in the days just before Christmas. And they form part of the classic Christmas Novena.
The "O Antiphons" appear below in English translation, with scriptural sources and suggested symbols.
The "O Antiphons"
O WISDOM, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: Come, and teach us the way of prudence.
Sirach 24:2; Wisdom 8:1. Symbols: oil lamp, open book.
O LORD AND RULER of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come, and redeem us with outstretched arm.
Exodus 3:2, 20:1. Symbols: burning bush, stone tablets.
O ROOT OF JESSE, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kings shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.
Isaiah 11:1-3. Symbol: vine or plant with flower (especially a rose).
O KEY OF DAVID, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: Come, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Isaiah 22:22. Symbols: key; broken chains.
O DAWN OF THE EAST, brightness of the light eternal, and Sun of Justice: Come, and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Psalm 19:6-7. Symbol: rising sun.
O KING OF THE GENTILES and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: Come, and deliver man, whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.
During the four weeks of Advent, we wait, just as the people of the Old Testament did, for the coming of the Messiah. Our expectation and excitement grows from the 17th to the 23rd of December. We anxiously await the celebration of Jesus’ birth. During this time, the Church prays the “O Antiphons.” An antiphon is a short phrase or sentence It is called an “O Antiphon” because it is an exclamation and begins with the word “O.”
In each of the seven Antiphons, we call Jesus by different titles which come from the Old Testament prophets. In each one of these short phrases we praise Christ for all He has done for us and ask that He come to live among His People.
From the 17th to the 23rd of December the “O Antiphons” are recited or sung during Evening Prayer (Vespers) and sung during Mass right before the Gospel (during the Alleluia).
Old Testament
Meaning Symbol
Dec. 17 O Wisdom Jesus is our wise teacher. Oil Lamp Open Book
Dec. 18 O Adonai (Lord) Jesus is our leader. Burning Bush Stone Tablets
Dec. 19 O Root of Jesse Jesse was King David’s father, Jesus’ ancestor Jesus is the “flower” of his genealogical tree.
Flowering Vine
Dec. 20 O Key of David Jesus opens the doors to the Reign of God. Key Broken Chains
Dec. 21 O Radiant Dawn Jesus is our Light Rising Sun
Dec. 22 O King of the Nations Jesus is the King who unites us. Crown, Scepter
Dec. 23 O Emmanuel Emmanuel means “God is with us.” Jesus is always with us. Chalice & Host
Response
Leader: Our help comes from the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
Reader: The woman said to him: “I know there is a Messiah coming. (This term means Anointed.) When he comes, he will tell us everything.” Jesus replied, “I who speak to you am he.” (John 4: 25, 26)
All: Jesus, you are the Messiah.
Leader: O Wisdom, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care.
All: Come, show us the way to salvation
Leader: Oh, Lord of Israel, you gave Moses the law on Mount Sinai.
All: Come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.
Leader: O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples.
All: Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
Leader: O Key of David, you control the gates of heaven.
All: Come, free your captive people.
Leader: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light and sun of justice.
All: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness.
Leader: O King of all the Nations, the only joy of every human heart.
All: Come, save the creature you fashioned from the dust.
Leader: O Emmanuel, desire of the nations and Savior of all people.
All: Come and set us free, Lord our God.
ORACION
Las “antífonas Oh”
Durante las semanas de Adviento, esperamos como lo hizo el pueblo antes de que naciera Jesús. Nuestras expectativas crecen entre el 17 y el 23 de diciembre. Estamos ansiosos por celebrar la venida del Mesías al mundo. Durante este tiempo la Iglesia reza las “antífonas Oh”. Una antífona es una oración corta. Se llama “antífona Oh” porque empieza con “Oh”.
En cada una de las siete antífonas aclamamos a Jesús con diferentes títulos que vienen de los profetas del Antiguo Testamento. En cada una de estas cortas oraciones alabamos a Cristo por lo que ha hecho por nosotros y le pedimos que venga a todo el Pueblo de Dios.
Desde el 17 hasta el 23 de diciembre las “Antífonas Oh” son recitadas o cantadas durante la Oración de la tarde (Vísperas) y cantadas en la Misa antes de la lectura del Evangelio (Aleluia).
Antiguo Testamento Significado Signo de los títulos
17 de dic. Oh Sabiduría
18 de dic. Oh Señor de Israel
Jesús es nuestro sabio maestro. Aceite de lámpara Libro abierto
Jesús es nuestro líder. Zarza ardiente Tabla de piedra 19 de dic. Oh flor de la rama de Jesé Jesé fue el padre del rey David, antepasado de Jesús. Jesús es la “flor” del árbol genealógico.
20 de dic. Oh llave de David
Enredadera con flores
Jesús nos abre las puertas del Reino de Dios. Llave, Cadena rota 21 de dic. Oh radiante amanecer
22 de dic. Oh rey de las naciones
Jesús es nuestro luz. Sol naciente
Jesús es el rey que nos une. Corona, Cetro
23 de dic. Oh Emanuel Emanuel significa “Dios con nosotros”.
Jesús está siempre con nosotros.
Respondemos en oración
Líder: Nuestra ayuda viene del Señor.
Todos: Que hizo el cielo y la tierra.
Cáliz y hostia
Lector: Una mujer dijo a Jesús: “Yo sé que el Mesías, es decir el Cristo, está a punto de llegar; cuando él venga nos lo explicará todo”. Jesús le dijo: “Soy yo, el que está hablando contigo”. (Juan 4:25, 26)
Todos: Jesús, eres el Mesías.
Líder: Oh Sabiduría, tú guías a la creación con tu fuerte pero noble cuidado.
Todos: Ven, muestra a tu pueblo el camino a la salvación.
Líder: Oh, Señor de Israel, diste a Moisés las leyes en el Monte Sinaí.
Todos: Ven, extiende tu mano para liberarnos.
Líder: Oh flor de la rama de Jesé, has sido elevado como una señal para el pueblo.
Todos: Ven, que nada impida que vengas en nuestra ayuda.
Líder: Oh llave de David, tú controlas las puertas del Cielo.
Todos: Ven, libera a tu pueblo cautivo.
Líder: Oh radiante amanecer, eres el esplendor de la luz eternal y el sol de justicia.
Todos: Ven, brilla sobre los que están en las tinieblas.
Líder: Oh rey de las naciones, eres el gozo de los corazones.
Todos: Ven, salva la criatura que creaste del polvo.
Líder: Oh Emanuel, eres el deseo de todas las naciones y el Salvador de todos.
Todos: Ven, libéranos, Señor, nuestro Dios.
IHM Christmas Tradition for Children and Adults
Each Christmas Eve the IHM Sisters gather in chapel to honor the birth of the Christ Child. We know that Jesus is King of the Universe and as such we are all members of his royal court. In the stable of Bethlehem, who are the members of that Court? In our rich tradition, we choose, by chance, which member we are. Each sister selects a card that may read the cow, the stable, the shepherd, the crib, even Mother Mary herself. On the card is also a practice to do throughout the year as we take on the gifts that each member of that court brings.
This is a beautiful custom you may want to adopt as you send the students home for Christmas Vacation.
Prayer Service for the Blessing of the Crib
The Courts of the King
Call to Worship:
Lord, we gather together during this season of Christmas as we remember the birth of Jesus, share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the Shepherds and the worship of the Wisemen. We praise you in prayer and song for the great wonders you have sent us: for shining stars, for angels’ songs, for Mary and Joseph and for the Word made flesh in Jesus.
Christmas Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
Reading from the Christmas Gospel of Saint Luke
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So, all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. 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 highestand on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
Blessing of the Christmas crib and figurines
Leader:
As we sprinkle with Holy water, we ask God’s blessing upon this Christmas manger and upon ourselves:
Lord, bless these nativity figures and all who look upon this manger. May it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus and raise our thoughts to Him who is God-with-us and Savior of all and who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen
Choosing of the Courts of the King: Music played softly (Each student will come forward to choose a symbol of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. When all have received this symbol, please be seated)
Prayers for each symbol (When your symbol is called, please stand)
Star: The star shone brightly in the sky pointing to where Jesus was born…..May each of you be the Light of Christ always leading others to Jesus.
Crib: The crib and the straw cradled Jesus…..May each of you love Jesus with your whole heart.
Stable: Jesus was born as a tiny baby in a stable in Bethlehem in poverty and simplicity…. May each of you be a shelter for all those who need help.
Angels: The angels sang “Glory to God in the highest” to announce that Jesus was born…...May each of you sing God’s praises and bring the good news to others.
Shepherds: The Shepherds heard the good news and went to the place where Jesus was born…...May each of you listen to Jesus speaking to you in your mind and in your heart.
Wisemen: The wisemen traveled for miles to bring Jesus the first Christmas presents….. May each of you be gift-givers always giving of yourself to others.
St. Joseph: St. Joseph trusted God’s plan and took care of Mary and Jesus…May each of you trust in God and care for others.
Mary: Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus and our mother too May each of you see Jesus who is born in the hearts of others.
Closing Prayer:
God, our Father, you loved us even to the point of sending us your only Son, Jesus, to save us and bring us to you. We ask you to bless our parents, our families and our friends. Open our hearts so that we might know how to receive Jesus with joy, doing always what He asks, and seeing Him in all those who are in need of our love. We ask you this in the name of Jesus who came to bring peace to the world and lives and reigns with you forever. Amen.
Hymn: Joy to the World
May I like the Angels
Sing God’s praises and bring the good news to others.
May I like the Crib
Offer my heart as a place for Jesus to live.
May I like the Stable
Be a shelter for those who need help.
May I like St. Joseph
Trust in God and care for others.
May I like the Wise Men
Give the gift of myself to others.
May I like Mary
See Jesus in the heart of all those I meet.
May I like the Star
Be the Light of Christ always leading others to Jesus.
May I like the Shepherds
Listen to Jesus speaking to my mind and heart.
Formative Parenting Cultivating Character in Children
A Ministry of the Sisters, Servants of the I mmaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Advent is not meant to be a time of passive waiting, but rather of hopeful preparation for the coming of the Lord.
“The good news of Christianity is that Emmanuel (God with us) has indeed appeared, and he has gone right to the bottom of sin to defeat it. In his full humanity, Jesus entered that complex web of sin, and in his full divinity, he did something about it.”
— BISHOP ROBERT BARRON
As we conclude the calendar year 2024, we also complete the second year of the Eucharistic Revival a year in which Catholics were engaged in a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage from the four corners of the continental United States culminating in the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis with more than 60,000 participants. This five-day event of prayers, speakers, and liturgical celebrations was the capstone of the bishops’ three-year National Eucharistic Revival campaign.
A good source for additional information is: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/revival-resources It has an abundance of learning resources and prayer assistance, but it also has answers to frequently asked questions. The USCCB website (https://www.usccb.org/ ) also contains a wealth of resources. Another valuable resource is: What is the Eucharist? - Word on Fire https://www.wordonfire.org/presence/#articles
The third and final year of the Revival will be dedicated to the Church “going out on mission” to renew the world. One of the initiatives of the Eucharistic Congress is “Walk With One.” We all have the opportunity to become missionary disciples. We are all called to evangelize, and thanks to the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are prepared for this mission this does not imply spreading the Gospel in a foreign land or knocking on doors to spread the gospel message. We encounter people each day who have fallen away from the practice of faith
This third year of the revival coincides nicely with the Year of Hope declared by Pope Francis for the year 2025. The season of Advent which begins in December provides an opportunity to prepare for The Year of Hope while at the same time focusing on the gift of Jesus in our lives. While we do celebrate the feasts of Mary under the titles of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Immaculate Conception, Advent is also a time to focus on Mary as she is known as Our Lady of Hope. In her expectancy, Mary gave hope to the world for the coming of a savior. Many of the Saints whose feasts are celebrated during December represent people who were people of hope.
We continue to celebrate Mary on the first day of the new year and again in February with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Where she asked us to continue to pray and trust in her intercession. This gives us continued hope.
December
Call to Mission – Become People of Hope
In addition to being the "source" of Christian spirituality because it is a "source" of grace, the Eucharist also helps us grow in the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. These virtues are essential to the spiritual life because they "dispose Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity They are called because they direct us to God. We might say that they are the three dimensions - the height, width and depth-in which the Christian life is lived. " (CCC, no. 1812
OUR LADY OF HOPE
Mary, our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Prepareabulletinboard.andplaceonitimageofOur LadyofHope. IncludeashortprayertoMaryonthe board. Give student an outline shape a Christmas tree. ExplaintothemthatatreeusedasaChristmas treeisasymbolofhope.Askthemtowriteonthetree ashortprayeraskingMarytointercedeforthem.On the backof the tree, askthem to write the names of thosewhotheywillbepraying forduring Advent to returnto attending Massandthe sacraments. Place thecompleted“trees”inaboxintheclassroomprayer corner Includetheirintentionsinthedailyprayers
Create a bulletin board. With pictures of Saints whose feasts are celebrated during December. Many of these Saints are Saints who gave hope to others. For example,
• Saint Francis Xavier gave hope.to the stranger.
• Saint Nicholas gave hope to children.
• Saint Lucie gave hope to people with disabilities
• Saint Juan Diego. gave hope to the poor.
Tell the stories of the Saints who are pictured on the bulletin board. Encourage the students. To find other Saints who have given hope to others.
St. Francis Xavier St. Nicholas
January
Jubilee Year of Hope
The Jubilee Year is a special year of grace, in which the Church offers the faithful the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence. Traditionally, it begins just before Christmas and ends on the Epiphany of the following year. VATICAN NEWS
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
Display on a bulletin board a picture of Our Holy Father opening the Holy Doors at the beginning of the Jubilee Year. Explain to the students the significance of the Holy Doors. Two days after opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to inaugurate the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis will travel to a Rome prison to open a Holy Door as a “tangible sign of the message of hope” for people in prisons around the world, the Vatican announced.
Another mascot of the Holy Year 2025: “Luce” (Italian for light), a cartoon pilgrim dressed in a yellow raincoat, mud-stained boots, wearing a missionary cross and holding a pilgrim’s staff. Luce’s glowing eyes feature the shape of scallop shells, a traditional symbol of pilgrimage and hope.
. The mascot was inspired by the Church’s desire to live even within the pop culture so familiar to youth.
“Luce” will also serve as the mascot of the Holy See’s pavilion at Expo 2025, which will take place in Osaka, Japan, from April to October 2025. The Holy See pavilion which will be hosted inside of Italy’s national pavilion will have the theme “Beauty brings hope,” and display the 17thcentury painting “The Entombment of Christ” by Caravaggio — the only one of his works housed in the Vatican Museums.
The Act of Hope can be placed on either board and prayed by the students daily. Give each student a prayer card with the Act of Hope and one of the images on it.
February
Faith -- Hope --- Love
Without faith and
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. (Romans 5:5)
While we associate the month of February with the virtue of love because of St. Valentine’s Day, this also provides the opportunity to reflect on St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and the interrelatedness between Faith, Hope and Love.
Read the scripture passage from I Corinthians 13, List all of the virtues identified in the passage.
Give
Our founding fathers gave us an example of hope in that their intent was that this nation would be “One Nation Under God” as expressed in the Pledge of Allegiance. February/Presidents’ Day is a suitable time to review these values. A bulletin board with the Pledge of Allegiance on it would be a good springboard to discuss these values and to encourage the students to show love for and to pray for our country. It also provides an opportunity for them to express their hopes for the future of our Country. Each grade level could complete a writing piece appropriate to their level.
e
Directions: Give each student a tree. Have them write the name of someone they will pray for during Advent asking God to change their hearts and return to Church and the Sacraments. Place the trees in a box on the classroom prayer table. Remember them in the prayers of the class each day during Advent.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
Hot off the SAINT MARY’S PRESS!
At a parish? Get free lessons and activities for parish elementary, middle, or high school ages.
In a school classroom? We have options for school elementary, middle, or high school
View all available Advent lessons here.
In this season of joyful anticipation, we invite you to use and share this Advent calendar of activities to prepare for Jesus’ birth. Bookmark this calendar, filled with free activities, downloadables and more.
How do you encourage your families to prepare Him room? Here are some practical ideas to help your families prepare for Advent and Christmas, in “How to Prepare Kids for Advent.”
Also, on our blog this month, we dive into the common beliefs among people of different religious backgrounds. Read “The Shared Wisdom of the World’s Major Religions.”
We want you to feel supported as we approach this busy time of year. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help you in your ministry!
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