In the Greater Grand Forks area, two Catholic schools, Sacred Heart and St. Michael’s, are focusing on the “true meaning” of Christmas this holiday season. Both institutions emphasize community service and spiritual growth during the Advent season, which spans the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Educators at these schools are dedicated to ensuring students understand the significance of Christmas beyond mere festivities. According to Sara Dudley, Principal of St. Michael’s, and Sarah Effhauser, Chief of Staff at Sacred Heart, the schools are adorned with seasonal decorations while fostering a spirit of giving and service. “We work through the Advent season in anticipation of Christmas, really keeping our hearts oriented toward the service of others,” Effhauser stated.
Students engage in various community service projects, helping those in need during this festive period. At Sacred Heart, students have collected pajamas and books for children in foster care, as well as personal items for Polk County Social Services. Meanwhile, at St. Michael’s, students have participated in Christmas caroling for residents at Edgewood Assisted Living and gathered essential items for a local women’s pregnancy center.
Dudley articulated the goal of integrating classroom lessons with community service, stating, “What our intention is as teachers is to connect the work that we do teaching virtue to the actual service project.” The emphasis on virtues such as generosity and gratitude is particularly pronounced during the holiday season, encouraging students to reflect on the blessings they have and the importance of sharing these gifts.
In addition to community involvement, both schools celebrate the holiday season with a range of festive activities. St. Michael’s organizes a Christmas play for students in grades K-5 and invites families to partake in “Lessons in Carol,” a worship event that concludes with hot chocolate and cookies. Each classroom also features a decorated Christmas tree adorned with homemade ornaments to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Sacred Heart follows suit with large Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and classroom parties, alongside singing Christmas songs every Friday. They also host a dress-up week, allowing students to don holiday-themed attire instead of their usual uniforms. “The children are really very enthusiastic,” Dudley mentioned, noting their excitement for the various events leading up to Christmas.
Effhauser added that educators strive to embed the holiday’s message within the curriculum. Prior to the Advent season, all staff members gathered for a reflection led by their chaplain, Brother John Wilebski, who provided valuable insights on integrating the season’s themes into classroom activities.
At St. Michael’s, students reflect on virtues such as gratitude, generosity, kindness, and love through writing assignments during Advent. Dudley expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to teach in a Catholic school during this special time, stating, “It’s this idea of recognizing and talking about, in really intentional ways, about how much God loves us… and how we’re called to not only love him, but love others.”
As the holiday season progresses, Sacred Heart and St. Michael’s schools continue to nurture a sense of community and service, reminding students of the deeper significance of Christmas.
