TIME TO PREPARE

As Advent is upon us, it is a perfect time to ask ourselves; how are we preparing for the Christmas season? Although this may seem a foolish question, for isn’t the Christmas season upon us? The answer is no, despite what the retailers and online offers are selling, it is not Christmas until we celebrate the birth of Christ. This is a time of waiting and preparing our hearts. If we simply rush from one activity to another, from one store to another, from one online order to another we will miss what is perhaps the biggest blessing this season offers. A time to wait patiently, a time to let the excitement build, a time to prepare our hearts for the One who made them for himself.

This is how we Put Christ back into Christmas. The stores are not going to do this; the news media is not going to do this and the internet or the movies are not going to do this. If this is our desire, each family has to make the effort, one by one, joining with likeminded families; changing the culture bit by bit. The Church has her role to play in this as well, to lead by example not to get too far ahead of ourselves.
Liturgically, the Church’s year begins with the first Sunday of Advent, and can be considered ‘a little lent’ because Advent is a time of penance as we prepare for the birth of Christ. It is a silent time of anticipation and hope. St. Charles Borromeo writes: “Each year, as the Church recalls this mystery, she urges us to renew the memory of the great love God has shown us. This holy season teaches us that Christ’s coming was not only for the benefit of his contemporaries; his power has still to be communicated to us all…The Church asks us to understand that Christ, who came once in the flesh, is prepared to come again. When we remove all obstacles to his presence he will come, at any hour and moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts, bringing with him the riches of his grace.”

Preparing in this way doesn’t simply happen to us. We have a part to play. We have to make it a priority in our lives and in the life of our family. If Christmas seems to be nothing more than a drain on the family; a time of shopping, eating and drinking; nonstop activity and music that you can’t wait to be done with; try something new this year. If Advent becomes a time of reading, reflecting, praying and waiting, Christmas, all 12 days, can become a time of celebration. We will close with another reflection from St Charles Borromeo:

“Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit, the day of salvation, peace and reconciliation: the great season of Advent. This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced at last to see.

This is the season that the Church has always celebrated with special solemnity. We too should always observe it with faith and love, offering praise and thanksgiving to the Father for the mercy and love he has shown us in this mystery.”

God bless you and yours during this special season

Fr. Jim

Prairie Catholic students know the importance of giving back and rewards that go along with it.

Middle schoolers enjoyed helping out at the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital for their annual Preview to Christmas 2012.  Partners of Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital host this event annually to raise funds to give back to the hospital in the form of equipment and other needed resources.  The theme for 2012 was "A Fairy Tale Christmas". Each department or area of the hospital featured a different fairy tale and these kids were definitely up to the challenge.  They turned the elevator into "Jack's Beanstalk" and children were met by Jack himself and of course the cow who was traded for the magical beans.  Other areas the kids helped out in was Santa's County Store and an obstacle course in Hansel & Gretel's Activity Trail.

Prairie Catholic encourages you to come visit our school and see how our Christian education gives its students the opportunities to grow in our community.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Thank you for your interest in Prairie Catholic Schools.  St. Gabriel’s campus is our elementary school, and encompasses grades Pre-K though 4th, and St. John’s campus is our middle school which entails grades 5th through 8th.  Additionally, on-site daycare is available at the St. Gabriel’s campus.
 
We know that choosing the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions you face. The entire staff at Prairie Catholic appreciates the fact that you are willing to consider our school, and wish you to know that this is greatly appreciated. The education of our youth is an honor and a great responsibility that we do not take lightly.

A Catholic school offers a unique environment with very special opportunities for its students to grow spiritually. Prairie Catholic is no different. Our setting allows educators to share their faith and values while educating their students, your children. We are committed to helping children grow in faith and love and to display respect and fellowship. Prairie Catholic does not discriminate based on faith and includes many non-Catholic families. These families appreciate our caring, student-centered environment that teaches children to follow Christ’s command to love one another and treat others with respect.

Prairie Catholic provides a strong academic curriculum and a safe learning environment for students to reach their greatest potential.  We support each child by recognizing his or her own talents and instilling an appreciation for the gifts of others. This atmosphere fosters a mutual respect for one another.

We encourage, and are committed to, a cooperative partnership between family and school.  We seek to work with you as parents, in helping your child become the best they can be.  We believe in the mutual relationship of school supporting family and family supporting school.

At Prairie Catholic, we are positive people – learning, loving and living our faith.  We aspire to create a place where your child is safe, happy and knows they are special.

We would love to discuss further the opportunities we can offer your child.  Please call us for a personal tour at:

(608) 326-8624  (St. Gabriel’s)
(608) 326-4400  (St. John’s)

Sincerely,

Wade Marlow

Principal, Prairie Catholic Schools

Volunteer Sign up Sheet:

Please consider being a parish volunteer. Click Here to bring up a form you can fill in right from your computer and then print out. Send in to either rectory, drop off, or put in colection basket on Sunday. Thank you for your consideration.