HNM FAMILY BULLETIN-December 13, 2007 (To Download in MS Word Click Here)

Thurs. Dec. 13

• Christmas Program- Students should report to their classrooms at 6:30 p.m. At the conclusion of the program, all students will go back to their classrooms, where you may pick them up and then enjoy refreshments prepared by room parents.
• We are grateful to be able to use our sacred worship space for our Christmas program and ask that you respect our parish’s no photography policy in our church. Mr. William Lee has arranged to video the program and make a DVD. It will be available for a $10 donation. Please fill out the order form on the back of this bulletin to reserve your DVD.

Fri. Dec.14  

• Mass (dress uniform)

Sun. Dec.16  

• 3rd Sunday of Advent

Tues. Dec.18  

• Our accreditation team will visit HNM. Please keep us in your prayers.

Thurs.Dec.20  

• Minimum day – 12:30 dismissal
• 7:00 p.m. Advent Reconciliation Service in church.

Dec. 21-Jan. 4  

• Christmas Vacation

Jan. 7   

• School resumes

LAS POSADAS
Las Posadas is a Hispanic custom that usually takes place in the last nine evenings before Christmas, December 16-24. In recent times this custom has grown in popularity across all cultures in the U.S. The word “posadas” means inn or lodging. Las Posadas is a procession that traces the steps of Mary and Joseph as they seek lodging and a safe place for the birth of Jesus. The procession travels through a specific neighborhood. The boys and girls in the procession can be dressed as Mary and Joseph. The adults carry candles or flashlights to light the way. The Procession stops to visit a number of pre-selected homes each evening. When the procession reaches the front door at each home, the children in unison ask or sing, “Do you have lodging?” The people at the first homes refuse lodging and say, “Go away. There is no lodging.” Finally, the last home in the procession route welcomes everyone. At this point there is a celebration of joy; the Holy Family has found a place or shelter. The celebration often concludes with snacks, soft drinks and a piñata.

Third Sunday of Advent - Year A
December 16, 2007
Read Sunday's Gospel, Matthew 11:2-11

Gospel Summary
John the Baptist had disciples of his own and while in prison he sent some of them to Jesus. At John's request, the disciples asked Jesus if he was the Messiah or were they to wait for another. Jesus did not answer them directly, but pointed to the miracles he had performed in the name of God's love. If John himself did not wonder, it was likely that his followers did. Jesus did not fit the image of Messiah, and
so it was possible that people began to doubt their original perception.
        
Reflection for Families
It would have appeared to Jesus that John began to doubt. Perhaps it was the confinement of prison that let his mind question what he once so clearly understood. But even so, Jesus affirmed John in this scripture as the greatest of all prophets. From this experience, it is reassuring as parents to know that even when we doubt, either ourselves or God, we are still great in God's eyes. Our strength is in
knowing God is with us as a loving parent.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Sunday is the day we light the third candle on our Advent wreath the pink one! Pink represents joy, and our families should come to know that it is with joy we await the return of Jesus. Ask each member of the family how he/she will bring joy to someone's life this week.

Discussion Starters
1. When I begin to doubt my skills at parenting, I always find strength in . . .
2. I come closest to understanding the joy of Jesus' return when . . .
3. A miracle I have seen in my lifetime that shows God's love is . . .   

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