We are fast approaching the halfway point in the Advent season. Although we can’t help looking forward to Christmas, our students have become aware of the importance of Advent. Twice a day, we announce the Jesse tree ornament over the intercom. We add the name to the ornament displayed on the main bulletin board.
We have also begun the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. Before the Angelus at noon, we do a short reflection on mercy and then the Mercy prayer. You can download an app for your smartphone from Our Sunday Visitor that has daily reflections, readings, and prayers. The Jubilee Year of Mercy lasts until the next Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The plans for the new gathering space/offices/fellowship hall have been sent to the diocese for initial approval. The parish office is scheduled to move to Manning Hall on Jan. 15th. The planned demolition of the current office building is planned for the spring.
We are looking for volunteers to begin removing the fence on the church lot. The work will start about 9:00 am this Saturday. If you can help, it would be appreciated.
Kudos To
Trina Rauk and Kelly Gaither for chairing a successful Santa’s
Kottage for the students. Thanks also to the many parents who
helped our students with their Christmas shopping.
Our 5th/6th/7th grade students who have volunteered to begin altar
serving. The 4th graders will be starting soon.
Parking/Drop-off/Pick-up
There will be changes in these policies next year and there will be temporary changes during the construction. The city has marked the area on Morrison for our flashing caution light at the crosswalk. Hopefully, it will be installed soon.
Please make sure that all grandparents, relatives, and friends are aware of the parking lot policies. The most important item is to use extreme caution when arriving and leaving. The speed limit on the lot is 5mph. Please don’t exceed the limit! Also, you should NEVER park or stop on Morrison when heading north to discharge students. The school side of Morrison is a No Parking zone. If you do park on Morrison facing south, students should never be discharge from the driver’s side of the car. This puts them into the traffic lane.
Although the speed limit on Morrison is a School Zone limit, drivers do exceed that limit many times. I have seen drivers on their cell phones, texting, and not paying full attention when passing school. Even though Vandalia is finished, people still use Morrison as a shortcut.