St. Paul Catholic Elementary School Celebrates Family Advent Mass at St. Anne’s Parish

Dec. 17, 2024

Every year, the St. Paul Catholic Elementary School community comes together to celebrate the season of Advent with a special Family Advent Mass at St. Anne’s Parish. 

This year’s Mass, held on a snowy evening on Dec. 12, 2024, brought together students, staff, parents, grandparents, parishioners, and other special guests in a spirit of faith, hope, and anticipation as they prepared for the birth of Jesus.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Simmy, who led the congregation in prayer and reflection. 

The students of St. Paul CES played a central role in making the Mass a special event.

They took part in every aspect, from reading Scripture and lighting the Advent wreath, to singing in the choir. 

The students also contributed their artistic talents by designing artwork and creating Christmas ornaments, which were given as gifts to families in attendance.

Christine Brodie, Principal of St. Paul CES, reminded the school community of the significance of the Advent season. 

“Advent is a time of waiting – it’s a time when we pray and wait for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. It’s a time of hope, when we gather as a school family and prepare our hearts for the Christmas Season. During Advent, we pray to Jesus to fill our hearts with his love. It’s a time when we try to pray more and to do good deeds for others. We are called every day to take care of each other as part of a larger school family. It isn’t always easy. But we can offer our prayers and good deeds as gifts to God.”

The Mass ended with three songs performed by the school’s youngest students including  ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’ by Grade 1 students, ‘It was on a Starry Night’ by the Grade 2 and 3 classes and ‘Little Donkey’ by the Kindergarten students.

Following the Mass, junior students handed out candy canes and small ornaments to those in attendance.

“It was truly an awesome evening centered on what is the most important at this time of year – Advent and the journey towards Christmas,” said Brodie.