Lent
The students of the 7th and 8th grades get the opportunity to live out the stations of the cross in a live-action spiritual way. Here are the important dates for the presentations in the church:
March 24: 1:15pm: all grades attending
March 27: 7:00pm: all welcome
abstain from meat on Fridays
increase daily prayer
fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Giving up a habit
Now, announcing the first ever interview for Community/Church/Religion, your own Father, Father Brandt!
Related to God/Jesus:
Father Brandt was influenced by a Priest he had in his high school and parish, which led him to the friendliest Priest now! And once he became a Priest, he felt an even closer connection to God! Finally, Father Brandt loves being a Priest, but his favorite part is helping people every single day!
Even though he loves Jesus very much, his favorite biblical superhero is Joshua. If you don’t know who Joshua is, he is the one who led the Israelites out of Canaan after Moses died. Now, you understand why he loves Joshua so much? Finally, Father Brandt’s favorite Church hymn is "Rise Up," which is sung during Easter. Have you heard of it?
School Wise:
You’ll never believe it, but Father Brandt went to Penn State for College! He was originally going to become an architect. That's what his dream job would be!
Fun Facts:
You’ll never believe it, but Father Brandt doesn’t have just one brother, but three other siblings. He has two sisters, Sue and Kathy, and 2 brothers, Joe, a priest, and Jim. Don’t worries a sport when he was young! But now, his favorite sport he likes to watch is tennis! Two different sports, but both involve a ball, except for a racquet, too!
Does anybody here want to travel to Dubai, because that’s where Father Brandt’s dream vacation would be! "Tis the season" because Father Brandt’s hidden talent is decorating! Good, it’s Christmas! Even though his favorite movie outside of Christmas is The Sound of Music! Although his favorite Christmas movie is Polar Express! A nice, comfy dessert that he loves is Chocolate Cake with White Icing. The perfect dessert to have while watching his favorite Christmas movie.
I hope you have learned more about Father Brandt after this interview!
Nelson Pérez, our Archbishop, was born on June 16, 1961, in Miami, Florida. His parents are David and Emma Pérez, and he has two brothers: Dr. David Pérez, who sadly passed away, and Louis Martin Pérez. Nelson Pérez was raised in New York and New Jersey.
He attended Montclair State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He entered a Seminary in Philadelphia and earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts. On May 20, 1989, he was ordained a Priest at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
After being ordained, he worked in education by teaching courses in psychology and religious studies at LaSalle University. On June 8, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York. Then on July 25, 2012, he was ordained the Bishop at Saint Agnes Cathedral.
"Finally, on January 23, 2020, he was appointed the 14th Bishop and 10th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia." Now, Nelson J. Pérez remains our Bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. From a boy who grew up in New Jersey, to a man who is now the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Website Information:
https://archphila.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ArchPerezBiography.pdf
1st Sunday of Advent
Hope Candle
Overview:
The candle of hope, also known as the Prophecy Candle, reminds us that God gave His people hope through Old Testament promises of a coming King and Savior. Jesus fulfilled those promises when He was born.
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 9:6-7
Romans 15:12-13
Song:
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
2nd Sunday of Advent
Peace Candle
Overview:
The Candle of Peace, also known as the Bethlehem Candle, represents the peace Jesus brings to the world. It reminds us of the humble town where the Prince of Peace was born. As we reflect on this candle, we remember that true peace comes only through Christ.
Scripture Reading:
John 14:27
Luke 2:13-14
Song:
O Little Town of Bethlehem
3rd Sunday of Advent
Joy Candle
Overview:
The candle of Joy, also known as the Shepherd's Candle, reminds us of the great joy that came with the announcement of Jesus's birth. The angels proclaimed good news of great joy for all people. Jesus is the source of true and lasting joy.
Scripture Reading:
John 15:10-11
Luke 2:10-11
Song:
Joy to the World
4th Sunday of Advent
Love Candle
Overview:
The candle of Love, also known as the Angel's Candle, reminds us of the great love God showed by sending Jesus into the world. The angels announced God's message of love and salvation for all people. Jesus is God's greatest gift of love to the world.
Scripture Reading:
John 3:16
1 John 4:9-10
Song:
O Holy Night
Pope Leo XIV was born on September 14, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. His birth name is Robert Francis Prevost with 2 brothers, Louis Martin and John Joseph. during his childhood, he spent most of his time with his family. He first studied at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers. After studying in the Seminary, he went to Villanova University, a 30 minute drive away from STC. He graduated with a Degree in Mathematics and studied Philosophy while he was at Villanova.
In early October the same year, he entered the noviate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in Saint Louis, Missouri. He also entered the noviate in the Province of Our Lady of Good Council of Chicago. Pope Leo XIV's profession started on September 2, 1978. In late August in 1981, he made his solemn vows.
Once Pope Leo XIV turned 27, he was sent by superiors to study the Canon Law at Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In June of 1982 he was ordained a priest.
In September of 2016, he was accounted the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. Then in September of 2023 he was created Cardinal. Finally, on May 8, 2025 Pope Leo XIV was elected our Pope in the Catholic community.
Website Information (Everything on this article are from these two websites):