There Is A Longing - Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

Friends of Blessed Sacrament,

As another Thanksgiving comes and goes, our Catholic Church ushers in the Holy Season of Advent. Advent is the season of preparation for the commemoration of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. In her wisdom, our Catholic Church sets aside four weeks to help the faithful to prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ-child.

This year, I have selected There Is A Longing as our theme for Advent based on Anne Quigley’s 1992 hymn. Given the current health pandemic and how it has affected every part of our lives, I believe There Is A Longing has a significant meaning in our hearts and mind. There is a longing to return to February 2020 when things were “normal”. There is a longing to be with family and friends who we haven’t seen in months. There is a longing to bring back the loved ones we have lost to this horrible virus.

As hard as this pandemic has been, it is important that we remain focused that Christ and the hope that comes with His birth in a humble manger. We are called to use the Season of Advent to transform our emotions of frustration, anger, disappointment, anxiety and fear into being re-born with hope, peace, love and joy.

As There Is A Longing goes:

“For wisdom, for courage, for comfort: hear our prayer. In weakness, in fear: be near, hear our prayer, O God. There is a longing in our hearts, O Lord, for you to reveal yourself to us. There is a longing in our hearts for love we only find in you, our God.”

As the spiritual leader of our school community, I invite you and your family to take extra opportunities to celebrate the Season of Advent this year. It is important for our children to see that although we are stressed and exhausted, our faith continues to be strong and steadfast. As your partner in education, I have provided prayers, activities and resources for you and your family as we prepare to celebrate Christmas Day!

For those who use Amazon Music, I would also like to share with you my Personal Advent Playlist. During Advent, I listen to this playlist on my way to school each morning and on my way home each evening. It helps clear my mind and helps me to spend time in prayer, prepares me to meet Christ in my students, and helps me forget about the day’s challenges and obstacles.

May Our Lady of Guadalupe, who we remember during the Season of Advent, bless you and your loved ones.

In service to the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament,