Weekly Update: December 9-13, 2024

 

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. The purple candle for this week is sometimes called the ‘Bethlehem’ candle, serving as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The light of this candle represents peace.

Dear Jesus,
You entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace.
This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves,
fill us with a deep and abiding peace.
Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter,
especially those who need it most.
Amen.

 

Candy Grams

Candy Grams are back!

St. Mark CES is selling Candy Grams from December 3-12, 2024!

Parents and guardians are invited to place orders for Candy Grams. Students may wish to order for siblings, friends and/or classmates, and can include a short and thoughtful message. Candy Grams will be delivered on December 19th.

Please see Candy Gram prices below.

Peppermint Candy Cane, $1.25/each
Fruit-Flavoured Candy Cane, $1.50/each
Hershey Kisses (bag with 4), $2.00/each

There are only 4 days left!  Visit www.school-day.com to place your orders!

All monies raised will be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which will benefit our neighbours in need this Christmas.

Thank you for giving generously in support of our Christmas charity fundraiser!

 

Primary Christmas Concert

We look forward to St. Mark CES Primary Christmas Concert on Friday, December 18th, 2024, from 12:30-1:30pm.

Please note participating classes are preparing special presentations, so we ask that spectators remain in the gymnasium until the entire performance is finished.

After the performance, parents/guardians who wish to sign out their child will have the opportunity to do so in the gymnasium. Sign out sheets will then go to the office and students will be called from their classrooms. Parents/guardians will be asked to exit from the gymnasium and pick up their child(ren) by the Kindergarten pen or front entrance. This will ensure the safety of students. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please look for further details regarding costumes / dress code from your child’s classroom teacher.

 

Christmas Spirit Week

St. Mark CES will celebrate Christmas Spirit Week from December 16th to 20th! We look forward to a merry, festive and fun week! Please see our calendar below for themes for each day of the week.

 

St. Mark Parish Mass Schedule

Please see the St. Mark Parish Christmas and New Year’s Mass Schedule below.

St. Mark Parish Christmas & New Year's Mass Schedule and Advent Confessions 2024

 

Next Week’s Activities and Events

Here is a look ahead to next week…

Wednesday, December 11th:
– Confessions at St. Mark Parish, Grades 3-6, 9:50-11:10am

Thursday, December 12th:
– Grade 6 (McGinnes) STREAM Centre Visit at All Saints CES, all day

 

Upcoming Activities and Events

December 16th-20th: Christmas Spirit Week!

December 17th: Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate

December 18th: Primary Christmas Concert Dress Rehearsal (students only), 10:10am

December 18th: Primary Christmas Concert (no students), 12:30pm

December 19th: Christmas Caroling in the gymnasium, 12:30pm

December 23rd – January 3rd: Christmas Break

January 6th: Back to School

 

Closing Prayer

Let us conclude with our Advent Prayer:

God’s hope to direct me,
God’s peace to comfort me,
God’s joy to warm me,
God’s love to surround me.
Bless our Advent journey to Christmas with light and patience.
Amen.

St. Mark, pray for us.

Wishing you a week filled with the peace of Christ.

Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal