Catholic school students prepare as Christmas nears

Catholic school students have been busy as Christmas approaches – preparing gifts, welcoming Santa and reminding people of the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus, Emmanuel!

HOLY FAMILY, LINDSAY

Students at Holy Family School in Lindsay brought to life the timeless Scripture story of Jesus’ birth through a Living Nativity.

Students narrated and acted out the account, beginning with the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary announcing that she would divinely conceive the Savior, and ending with the Magi’s visit to the young King.

TINA SCHUMACHER

Teachers Kristin Catterson and Andrea Steffen and aide Kathy Gaspers helped the students who volunteered for the roles.

Lindsay resident Gene Werner built a stable of wood pallets and pine greenery. Donated hay bales made the scene complete.

A choir from Holy Family Parish sang carols throughout the presentation, which took place Dec. 8 during a Christmas on Pine celebration.

People remarked that walking along Pine Street in Lindsay seemed like part of a Hallmark movie, said Tina Schumacher, an English teacher at Archangels Catholic High School in Humphrey. The Nativity scene was a reminder of a different love story, though, she said, of God’s love for each person and of the faith, hope and joy of the season.

ST. BERNARD, OMAHA

Santa Claus visits students at St. Bernard School in Omaha on Dec. 19. ROSE FLORES

Students at St. Bernard School in Omaha welcomed a special guest before their Christmas break began.

Santa Claus handed out gifts to each student at the school. Being dressed in pajamas while opening them made the occasion seem extra Christmasy!

ROSE FLORES

The school provides presents for its students each year, a tradition that began nine years ago. Gift-buying is a year-round process funded by donors, also known as “Santa’s Christmas Elves.”

“The students, especially those new to our school, are very excited to receive them and enjoy unwrapping them together,” said Rose Flores, business manager and director of development at St. Bernard Parish.

It’s a tradition the children love, said Lindsey Ridley, parish secretary. “We hope we can bring a little cheer to their holiday season!”

ST. MARGARET MARY SCHOOL, OMAHA

Students at St. Margaret Mary School in Omaha package gifts for seminarians. ADAM HERINK

Third-graders at St. Margaret Mary School in Omaha helped the Serra Club of Omaha by packaging gifts for seminarians and creating handwritten cards on Dec. 17.

“The kids are very helpful, and it’s a great opportunity to share vocation stories from our archdiocese with them,” said Adam Herink of the Serra organization.

ADAM HERINK

ADAM HERINK