As God's Instruments, Let Us Wait in Joyful Hope!

Dear St. Charles Parish Community,

During Advent, children, youth and teens from St. Charles School, Latino religious education classes, Atrium, Grade Based Classes, On the Way, WAY, and Children's Liturgy of the Word will be reflecting on the Advent theme: "As God's Instruments, Let Us Wait in Joyful Hope." During this time, each group is invited to create an expression of this Advent theme using a cut-out symbol of a musical instrument.

The instruments will be hung in the gym and church for the 5 PM Christmas Eve liturgies and remain in the church for the Christmas season.

In our Adventful time together we will seek out quiet reflection and prayer amidst the clamor of commercial bells that distract us.

The Advent wreath and Advent hymns remind us of the purpose of our life's journey as we begin a new liturgical year. As we light each candle, we remember and give thanks for families and friends who listen and are there for us when we need them. We remember loved ones gone before us and the songs of their lives that have enriched our own—their laughter, presence, care—are gifts given to us and, as a song, meant to be shared.

We will talk about the joy of song and how "whistling a tune" can bring a smile to the heart. Old Testament prophets invite us to listen to the music of their words-melodies that beckon us to be the work of God, the Potter's, hands.

There are lamentations of thoughtless acts when we sometimes rush to Bethlehem too fast. In our waiting time together, we will talk about what it means to spend time re-learning the rhythm of God's time for us. We will learn from two expectant mothers—Mary and Elizabeth—a new song of trust, hope and the wonder of Emmanuel, God with-in us.

Jesus' words hearken us to be watchful and alert and we will talk about what it means to find God while raking leaves, tinkering under the hood of a car, listening to a friend, offering a ride home, calling to say "hi."

The children will be invited to take a tag from the Parish Giving Tree and be an instrument of hope and care for those who live in the hopelessness of need. During Advent, baskets will be placed on the altar for the St. Charles Food Pantry. Children gathering for the 9 AM and 11 AM Children's Liturgy of the Word will be invited to be the way by which the hungry are fed.

For all, may we be a community of comfort and joy!

Giving is the essence of religious life: giving space in one's life and home, giving a welcome, giving forgiveness, giving love, even giving one's life. Don't save. Don't store up 'treasure which moth and rust attack.' Live by the rule of giving.
—Dorothy Day

St. Charles Education Leaders