News & Events
Sr. Audrey Merski pens article in Pittsburgh Catholic magazine
January 15, 2010.
Sr. Audrey Merski , the director of Mt. Nazareth Learning Center in Bellevue, Pittsburgh, has a 'byline' in the December issue of the Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine, a four-color quarterly published by the diocese. While the magazine is not yet available on line, the Pittsburgh Catholic has given us permission to reprint Sr. Audrey's piece, "Holy season through kids' wide eyes." Here is her text, something to remind us of the joy of the season just past as we move through Ordinary Time into Lent: As signs of the approaching Christmas season begin to appear in television commercials and stores, many times the true reason for this day is lost or forgotten. But in the eyes and ears of the children at Mount Nazareth Learning center in Bellevue, this holy season is alive with the true spirit of love, thanksgiving and excitement – giving the teachers and parents a bit of anticipation, too. It begins with the actual making of the Advent wreaths as teachers recall for the children the significance of this little ceremony and encourage them to repeat this action at home with their families. While the flame of the candles of the Advent wreath make each week brighter and brighter, so does the enthusiasm of the children grow and the desire to share that joy with others, especially their families. The weeks before Christmas [abound] with numerous and expressive activities: Teachers read the story of St. Nicholas and they explain the significance of receiving little gifts; the children make decorative holiday crafts; they work on the Christmas program and rehears the carols. They also do related artwork, such as Christmas cards and adorning the bulletin boards with festive panoramic holiday scenes. The children’s faces beam with joy and smiles are radiant as they are reminding in storytelling time that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday – that Jesus cam to earth because he loves us, that he is the greatest give to the world. The highlight of the season is the Christmas program in which the entire learning center participates by singing carols and performing our unique Christmas stories. Parents, grandparents and relatives are invited. Christmas also means that prayers the children learn and offer to Jesus with their whole heart and soul for families, the poor and for the world are one fo the best gifts we can give to one another.
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