As we head into the holiday season, we remember that this important time of reflection, giving thanks, and sharing our blessings as we celebrate and anticipate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Throughout the Advent season, students participate in prayer services, reconciliation, and a variety of the ways to prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus.
- Music Concerts (see the calendar for dates and times)
- Day of Mercy December 10-11
- Teacher/Staff Appreciation Lunch December 19
- Student Christmas Mass and Lunch December 20
- Christmas Masses (click here for dates and times)
- Plus the time-honored traditions listed below
Thanksgiving Baskets
These baskets, donated to VEAP, are an activity that each classroom helps with. Each child will be assigned a food item, to help create a complete Thanksgiving meal. The full basket helps a less fortunate local family have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Santa's Secret Shop Photos
This optional event will take place on Sunday, November 3. Parent elf volunteers set up the cutest backdrop and snap pics of your kids and family. You will have the opportunity to purchase a darling photo ornament in addition to your digital image(s), too! A portion of the proceeds of this event go to St. John Paul II Catholic School (JPII).
Sponsor-A-Family
This tradition is in partnership with Ascension Catholic Academy, an organization formed to help us reach four Catholic grade schools (including JPII) and lend our support to ensure a very Merry Christmas for families in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Every classroom will adopt a family and fulfill their wish list. Students can help their parents shop and then bring in the items for parent volunteers to collect (the Sponsor-A-Family classroom captains SUG has already gone out; expect donation signup to come out soon). This is a very meaningful exercise which brings not only families, but classrooms, closer together.
Santa's Secret Shop
The most merry and bright pop-up shop yule ever experience! Our community comes together to completely transform a dedicated space at OLG into a Winter Wonderland filled with gifts at varying price points. You will have the opportunity to help your student(s) make their list, send along some shopping money, and have them shop for the whole family. Shopping will happen during the school day, December 9-13 for K - 8 Grades. And preschool parents will have an opportunity to shop with your preschooler from 8:00 - 11:00 AM on December 13!
This heartwarming experience is one of the kids' favorite of the year and brings with it so many memories and treasures. It takes a village to raise this up, so not only will there be ample volunteer opportunities, but it truly is an incredibly bonding experience for our OLG community. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to our sister school, JPII. Please talk to your kids about why their shopping matters more at Santa's Secret Shop and who it benefits!
