December 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
Chrismons for Kids
By Colleen McGilvreay
On Nov. 20, 80 children and 25 teens came together for our new Advent Service Project, “Chrismons for Kids.” Over the course of 3.5 hours, one of three activities included making greeting/thank you cards with the intention of sending them to U.S. troops overseas. These cards will be included in care packages that will be packed on Dec. 13 at the upcoming Middle School Youth Ministry (JYM)/High School Youth Ministry (TYM) Potluck Supper. Participants also decorated holiday cookies to enjoy with their dinner.
In addition, and most importantly, the children made “Chrismons.” Chrismon is a Medieval Latin word meaning a symbol of Christ or Christianity, or a "Christ-Monogram." Crowns, crosses, doves, stars, and angels are a few examples of Chrismon ornaments. A Chrismon Christmas tree is adorned with Chrismon ornaments, white lights and gold balls or garland. All Chrismon ornaments are white, or white and gold. White represents God's holiness, and gold symbolizes the glory of God.
During the Chrismons for Kids project, while creating these beautiful ornaments, the children learned the true meaning of Chrismons and how the various shapes represent Jesus. Each child made one ornament to take home, and one to leave behind for the Christmas tree that is located in the reception area of the main office.
The kids had a wonderful time while learning the importance of giving, gratitude, and worship, lessons that are particularly important this time of year.
Beauty in Liturgical Design
By Veronica Bucki
Kathleen Thompson has been an enlightening creator of beautiful liturgical designs at St. Andrew for over five years. The first Sunday in 1988 after she and Walt moved here from Ft. Worth, Texas, they came to Mass at St. Andrew and became active members of the parish.
Kathleen is a natural to lead the Arts and Environment Committee in using liturgical colors, themes and traditions to generate an inspiring environment year round in the church, since she also does floral design for weddings and parties. She started with the grounds with Roseanna Adams which led to the interior design work.
“A lot of people think to be on the Arts and Environment Committee one needs a special skill. That’s not true,” Kathleen said. A creative skill is often innate and can be developed. “We always need creative minds to help out with ideas to welcome the parish family into a spiritual environment.”
We have new ambo covers and altar cloths made through the gracious handiwork of Terry Roland and Sharon Schaale. “The artwork behind the statues of Mary and Jesus and Joseph created by Amy Hautman were added to enhance the pastels of the church,” said Kathleen.
To me they create an image of living saints we often call on to intercede for us. The flowing waters over the Baptismal font always remind me of living waters full of life, refreshment, and grace.
We look forward to this Advent season art and floral design! Thank you Kathleen for leading a fine group of parish members who are inspired to enhance the environment that brings us peace as we celebrate and glorify our Lord in this beautiful season of joy.
For more information, please contact Kathleen Thompson at 469-0991 or email: kthompson365@bellsouth.net.
Learning to Help Those in Need
By Ann Marie DiSerafino
Children in St. Andrew’s Early Childhood Center (ECC) participate every year in service projects that not only benefit those in need, but also foster an awareness of Christ’s call to serve others.
In early November, the four-year-old and transition classes made lunches for the Brown Bag Ministry as part of their All Saints Day celebration. This is an annual project spearheaded by ECC teacher Joanne Tucci.
During Lent, the children do another Brown Bag Ministry project that complements their study of the book Stone Soup. Preschool parents bring in supplies for vegetable soup, the children prepare the soup, and the teachers cook it. The soup is served to the homeless in Raleigh on the weekend through the Brown Bag Ministry.
For Christmas, the ECC is collecting new or gently used children’s books to be given to Urban Ministries and Catholic Parish Outreach. Throughout the year, the preschool also collects hotel-sized toiletry items for donation to area homeless and domestic abuse shelters.
Ann Graf, ECC Director, said, “As a parish, St. Andrew’s puts great emphasis on service to others, and we wanted to include our students in this mission. It is never too early to teach children that they should be Christ to one another. And little ones can truly understand the concepts of hunger and packing a lunch.”