Having you ever wondered what Christmas in the Convent is like? In most ways, it is probably very similar to your celebration. One of the first signs of preparation is the appearance of the Advent wreath in chapel. Each week one more lighted candle reminded us that we were that much closer to welcoming the Savior of the world into our world and our hearts once again. This symbol of Advent was eventually replaced with an eye-catching Nativity scene which was the creation of many generous hands as the entire chapel was transformed with two lighted trees, many poinsettias artistically arranged, and two large wreaths hanging on high! Throughout the motherhouse, many seasonal floral arrangements appeared along with a Christmas tree on each floor.

Another means of preparation for Christmas is reaching out to those in need. One example was the massive effort of the staff at St. Joseph Shelter coordinated by Sr. Marrcella Parish. In collaboration with the local parish and other groups in Mt. Angel, the staff and volunteers at St. Joseph Shelter prepared 160 boxes of food and bags of gifts which were individualized for the families. Sr. Thuy and Rosina Pham volunteered on “delivery day” to assist with the final steps of adding perishable food items and loading the items into the vehicles.

What would Christmas be without the seasonal treats? Several Sisters prepared their favorite cookie recipes and one evening was spent baking sheet after sheet of cookies. Some were used as gifts for employees and others for the post-Christmas Eve Mass celebration with our friends and family who came that evening. A Christmas choir is assembled annually and once again this year their voices lifted our minds and hearts to the glorious events of Christmas Day.

Taking time to be with family and friends is one of the greatest gifts of Christmas. Seeing a movie, reading the numerous Christmas cards sent to the Community, playing cards, welcoming the New Year with prayer and ping-pong, celebrating the Solemnity of the Motherhood of Mary with Archbishop John Vlazny presiding at liturgy are but a few examples of our ongoing celebration during the twelve days of Christmas.

Posted by Sr. Charlene Herinckx in About the Sisters