As flickering candles illuminate Advent wreaths, and the fragrance of evergreen fills the air, the hallways of Catholic schools around the Archdiocese become a tapestry of faith, unity, and shared devotion. The annual observance of Advent transforms classrooms into sanctuaries of reflection and spiritual growth.
Advent, derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming,” marks the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church. This sacred season serves as a poignant countdown to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. It is a time of preparation, reflection, and joyful anticipation—a collective journey undertaken by communities of faithful across the Archdiocese of Newark.
Students have been observing traditional customs, deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, throughout the Advent season. The Advent wreath, a circular arrangement of evergreen branches with candles, symbolizes the passage of time and the brightening anticipation of Christ’s arrival. Students have been lighting the candles at Masses and prayer services each week. The candles, representing hope, love, joy, and peace, guide the students through a spiritual and reflective journey.
In addition to wreath-making and candle-lighting, students have actively embraced the virtues of the Advent season through acts of kindness and charity. Engaging in charitable initiatives, these young individuals have been weaving threads of compassion and goodwill into their Advent experience.
Throughout the Archdiocese, Catholic school students observed the Advent season in various ways. Here are some highlights of their celebrations.
St. Bartholomew Academy in Scotch Plains, students at St. Bartholomew Academy stayed after school to craft personalized Advent wreath centerpieces.Some students at St. Bartholomew crafted mini-Advent wreaths, blessed by Fr. Matthew Gonzalez, Parochial Vicar of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church.Students at Saint Catherine of Siena School in Cedar Grove officially kicked off the Advent season by lighting the Advent wreath during a special all-school assembly.First graders at Queen of Peace Grammar School in North Arlington gathered around the Advent wreath to learn about the Catholic custom, deepening their understanding of the season.Students at Lacordaire Academy in Montclair held a prayer service and lit the first candle of the Advent wreath, joyfully celebrating the start of the Christmas season together.At Holy Trinity School in Westfield, students have partnered with prayer buddies throughout Advent, engaging in meaningful discussions about Bible stories related to the Christmas season.At Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Franklin Lakes, students learned about Advent by completing weekly Advent workbooks, enhancing their understanding of the season’s significance.At Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell, students gathered for a prayer service, marking the official beginning of the Advent season.At St. John’s Academy in Hillsdale, students kicked off the Advent season with a Christmas fair and nativity display, featuring student actors and live farm animals.As part of her Valor Service Project, senior Kaitlyn Klaus at Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township completed her Fourth Annual Diaper Drive, collecting over 31,000 diapers to support the Center for Food Action in Mahwah.Students at Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus raised $1,000 for Eva’s Village, a nonprofit organization providing vital services to those struggling with poverty, hunger, homelessness, and addiction.
