Dear St. Thomas Families,   

Welcome back from what I hope was a relaxing and fulfilling Thanksgiving break! As always, it is great to have our students back in the building. Even though there are only 12 school days before Christmas break, we have a very busy schedule ahead!

Last Sunday marked the beginning of Advent and our time as Christians to prepare us for the coming of Christ's birth. As a school, we started our week with an all-school Advent prayer service led by our third grade students. Next week's Advent prayer service will occur on Tuesday, December 9, at 8:00am, due to Monday's school closing to observe the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States. Join us Monday, December 15, when our second grade students put on a re-enactment of the Nativity at 8:00am in the cafeteria. All are welcome to attend!

On, Friday, December 19, our first and second grades will present their annual Christmas play. This year's play is "The Cobweb Curtain". This is a story about a spider that spins a web over the entrance of the cave saving Jesus, Mary, and Joseph from Herod's men. The play will be in the school gym at 10:00am. Be sure to mark your calendars.

We are once again holding our Unwrapped Toy Drive. We are partnering with Be Concerned, a non-profit assisting low-income people of Northern Kentucky in obtaining basic necessities for life. Don't forget to send in your unwrapped toy for our toy drive. Toys will be collected at the all-school Mass this Friday, December 5. Please prayerfully consider reaching out to help give a gift to a child this Christmas.

We need your help! We are looking for someone to take over the role of crossing guard in the morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. This position is paid for by the city and the Ft. Thomas Police will provide brief safety training. If you or anyone you know is interested in helping to provide this very valuable service, while making some extra money, please contact the school office for more information. The school will continue to cover this position until a replacement is located.

I have included the following link filled with wonderful Advent resources. Take a moment to see what enriched possibilities might enhance this season of Advent for you and your family!  http://www.loyolapress.com/liturgical-year-advent.htm 

A Prayer for Lighting the Advent Wreath

The liturgical year begins with Advent, a word derived from Latin that means "coming." During Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, and we look forward to Christ's second coming at the end of time. Enjoy this prayer with children or your family as you light the Advent wreath candles.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, king of the universe.

You sent your Son to be the Light of the World and to spread His light of love to all.

As we light the candles of this wreath, may its growing brightness remind us of the approaching nearness of your Son, so that the day of His coming may find us prepared and filled with joy.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Have a blessed week.

Barry Thomas

Principal