GREETINGS

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Despite the cold weather, we all are very grateful for the many opportunities we have to engage your child in their own learning journey. We are seeing individual growth in reading, writing and math which in turns demonstrates success in all other subjects. 

We are very proud of our student body participating in giving back to others this time of year. As part of living our Catholic faith, it is vital that we help others. 

For example: 3K/sock collection, 6th grade/Mitten Tree and 8th grade/Giving Tree. There are countless ways we can think of others just as Jesus did throughout his life. He was a role model—giving to others which included his life on the cross for us. 

Shortly after Thanksgiving we move into the beautiful season of ADVENT. 

The first Sunday of Advent is Nov. 27 and ends on December 24. The first week  is known as HOPE. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the Prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.

The four traditional advent themes for the four advent Sundays are:

• God's People -The Candle of Hope 

• The Old Testament Prophets - The Candle of Peace

• John the Baptist - The Candle of Love

• Mary the Mother of Jesus - The Candle of Joy

The four Sundays preceding Christmas are recognized as the four virtues; before the birth of Jesus. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. The candles are lit in that order, beginning on Sunday, November 27. Please take a moment this Advent season to purchase an ADVENT wreath for your home. It is a wonderful way to pray together and learn about our faith. St. Rita’s students will be participating in several advent prayer services during this time. We are looking forward to the students sharing their grade level prayer service with the rest of the school. Thank you to the staff for their tireless efforts in leading/teaching these prayer service blessings to our students.

With a joyful heart, I wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! May your time be filled with smiles, laughter and family joy. Grateful for you trusting us with your children and grateful for the joys they bring to us!

Blessings,

Dr. Sue

St. Rita's Missioning Loving and Learning Our Faith: Living as members of our Catholic Faith Community; Loving God and all of His creation; Learning for our future on Earth and Heaven