OLM School Celebrates Advent, St. Nicholas Feast Day, Craft Bazaar and more
Like so many at this time of year, Our Lady of Mercy School students, faculty, staff and families are in the thick of preparations for the upcoming Christmas season. The OLM community celebrates its unique and faith-filled connections in a variety of ways all year long and Advent and the Christmas season are no exception.
On Friday, December 6, the feast of St. Nicholas, students in all grades participated in the annual tradition of leaving shoes out in the hallway that were then filled with special treats, and squeals were in no short supply. When St. Nick himself visited each classroom, along with a special helper, and delivered chocolate coins to all, he shared historical and spiritual insight as well, instructing the students to share their special gifts with those who may need them most.
Saturday, December 7 featured the annual OLM School Children’s Christmas Bazaar. Organized by parent volunteers and staff, over a dozen tables were set up with students and their families selling their hand- crafted creations. Many had been preparing for months in advance. Complete with live music and a visit from Santa Claus, spirits were high and the sense of community and families gathering to support one another’s talents was evident. From homemade ornaments, jams and bookmarks to hand-knit scarves, lists were being checked and smiles in abundance.
Throughout the month, OLM families are generously donating toys to children in need to benefit the Toys for Tots program.
On Monday, December 9, the school community gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in a Mass hosted by the fourth graders who served as lectors, altar servers, and gift bearers. The feast commemorates Mary’s Immaculate Conception as she was born without sin in her destiny to become the mother of Jesus.
Students in some classes, including Mrs. Emily Thompson’s Third grade, are swapping out the traditional Elf on the Shelf for Mary on the Mantel. According to Mrs. Thompson “each day Mary (in the form of a statue of the Blessed Mother) visits the kids and shares a part of her story leading up to Christmas, and gives the kids an act of kindness to do each day.”
Friday, December 13 will feature the Annual OLM School Christmas Pageant, featuring musical selections from each grade as well as a living nativity. This event is held at OLM church at 6:00 p.m.
With a tradition of excellence in Catholic education since 1951, Our Lady of Mercy School supports its students as they strive to be the saints and scholars that God is calling them to be. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Pre-K through Grade 8, co-educational Catholic school located in East Greenwich, RI offers its students the opportunity to pursue excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts in a nurturing environment built upon the teachings of the Catholic Church.
