RE families share in Advent preparation

About 80 religious education students and 150 parents, siblings and catechists at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Omaha kicked off their Advent preparations with several fun and educational activities during Family Advent Night Nov. 29.

At one of three stations, participants heard the story of St. Nicholas, decorated bookmarks and filled Christmas stockings for senior citizens served by Catholic Charities’ St. Martin de Porres Center in Omaha.

At another station, they watched a video and discussed the differences between the Advent and Christmas seasons, and created calendars highlighting daily Advent activities to do at home.

The Advent wreath was the focus of the third station, where people watched a video, prayed and created wreaths to take home.

"It was a way to evangelize, to teach and to get families involved," said Linda Stryker, director of religious education.

"It was such a positive experience and the parents loved it. We hope to do it again next year," she said.