The special Christmas season is upon us. As part of our larger Catholic community, we join together to prepare for the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ throughout Advent and then we celebrate the blessing of His love through the miracle of Christmas.

Although this is a most joyous season, Christmas can be a difficult time of year for some individuals and families in our greater community. It is important to connect with those who may be struggling – lending a helping hand or being a supportive friend to those who may be in need is a very thoughtful gesture. In spite of the ongoing global pandemic, our students, staff and families have been unbelievably generous. Throughout Advent, we have witnessed so many touching and thoughtful examples of our school communities reaching out to those less fortunate, both here at home and globally.

This year, our school communities are attending to the third and final year of our Three Year Faith Plan, under the theme: Together on the Journey.  Specifically in December we are focusing on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.  There are many natural and appropriate connections between this theme and the season of Advent.  In our schools, our students have learned about Mary and her role in the history of salvation.  We’ve learned of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, the journey of the shepherds to gaze upon the newborn Christ child and the journey of the wise men who offered their gifts.  

As we all journey together this busy Christmas season, I hope and pray that you take time to pause and reflect upon the wonderful gifts of faith, hope and love that Jesus bestowed upon the world, so many years ago in Bethlehem. On behalf of the entire division, I wish you a joyous, restful and Christmas season and look forward to beginning anew in January.

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God bless you and Merry Christmas