St. Cecilia Community Messenger
Christmas Edition
Heavenly Father,
As we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we give thanks for the gift of His presence among us. May His light shine brightly in our hearts and homes this Christmas season.
Lord, help us to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Let us embrace the spirit of love, joy, and peace that Jesus brought into the world. Guide us to share these blessings with those around us, especially those in need.
We pray for our school community, that we may grow in faith and unity. Bless our students, teachers, and families with Your grace and protection. May we always seek to follow the example of Christ in our words and actions.
As we gather to celebrate this holy season, fill our hearts with gratitude and wonder at the miracle of Your love. May the joy of Christ's birth inspire us to live with compassion and kindness every day.
In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.
(Courtesy MS Co-Pilot)
Student Faith Day - Dec 13
On Dec 13, St. Cecilia participated in Student Faith Day with Face to Face Ministries. The day started off with a high energy whole school assembly where students participated in games and listened to the overall messages of entering into relationship with Jesus. The presentation featured lots of energetic music, lights and multi media presentations. Our presenters, Daniel and Theoren were young and energetic and did a great job hosting the entire day.
After the opening assembly each class participated in workshops where they reflected on Jesus' coming and his ultimate sacrifice. The day ended with a recap of the lessons and reflections students completed as well as video highlights of the day.
I would like to thank our School Council and especially Lise Visscher for their support in bringing this experience to St. Cecilia students.
The Complex History of the Huron Carol
The Huron Carol has previously been listed as a resource not to be used. This was based on certain versions of the Carol in which Indigenous people were viewed with condescending, paternalistic racism. Many of the lyrics in these versions are unrelated to the original and are also appropriative of Indigenous culture.
St. Jean Brebeuf's original Huron Carol "Jesous Ahatonhia" was a story in Wendat to teach about Jesus. He had worked with the Wendat for years and had learned their language and wanted to give them a carol of their own, in their own language, by which to understand and remember what we celebrate at Christmas.
The following article shares many wonderful versions that align with
St. Jean Brebeuf's orginal carol. The Huron Carol
The link below discusses the complex history of this carol.
https://broadview.org/the-complex-history-of-the-huron-carol/
